Is Iran Behind Attacks in Canada? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 30, 2026 · 32 MIN

Is Iran Behind Attacks in Canada?

from CANADALAND

An Iraqi man, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is at the center of a major U.S. terrorism case. Federal prosecutors allege he helped coordinate nearly 20 attacks across Europe and North America as an operative of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a recorded conversation cited in the criminal complaint, Al-Saadi allegedly claimed members of his network carried out two attacks in Canada, including the shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto and an attack on a synagogue.Host Noor Azrieh speaks with terrorism and intelligence expert Dr. Jessica Davis, former CSIS strategic analyst and president of Insight Threat Intelligence, about what we actually know, how state-backed proxy networks and terrorist financing operate, and whether there is credible evidence linking recent attacks on Canadian soil to Iran.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Annie Tuba (Producer), Imogen Sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guest: Jessica DavisPhoto: FBIBackground reading:CSIS increases operation to combat Iranian state-directed activity, warns of continued threats – The Globe and MailCould this one man have been behind terrorist attacks on Jewish communities across Europe? – The Guardian'Who's paying for this?': Toronto police believe youth hired for gun crimes such as U.S. consulate shooting – CBC NewsAre Iranian 'sleeper cells' a threat to Canadians? Here’s what intelligence experts say – CBC NewsUnited States of America v. Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandHead over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Next month on Off The Record, we’re bringing you something different: Sam Konnert interviews Jesse Brown following up on what he told us 6 months ago. Did he keep his promises? That will be coming out Thursday, July 2. Stay tuned!If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Do you know someone who should work at Canadaland? Well, our audio journalism fellowship is back this fall and applications are open from now til the end of June. We’re looking for a couple of recent grads or working journalists who want to move into the world of audio journalism. Find out more or apply by going to labs.canadaland.com Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Iraqi man, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is at the center of a major U.S. terrorism case. Federal prosecutors allege he helped coordinate nearly 20 attacks across Europe and North America as an operative of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a recorded conversation cited in the criminal complaint, Al-Saadi allegedly claimed members of his network carried out two attacks in Canada, including the shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto and an attack on a synagogue.Host Noor Azrieh speaks with terrorism and intelligence expert Dr. Jessica Davis, former CSIS strategic analyst and president of Insight Threat Intelligence, about what we actually know, how state-backed proxy networks and terrorist financing operate, and whether there is credible evidence linking recent attacks on Canadian soil to Iran.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Annie Tuba (Producer), Imogen Sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guest: Jessica DavisPhoto: FBIBackground reading:CSIS increases operation to combat Iranian state-directed activity, warns of continued threats – The Globe and MailCould this one man have been behind terrorist attacks on Jewish communities across Europe? – The Guardian'Who's paying for this?': Toronto police believe youth hired for gun crimes such as U.S. consulate shooting – CBC NewsAre Iranian 'sleeper cells' a threat to Canadians? Here’s what intelligence experts say – CBC NewsUnited States of America v. Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandHead over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Next month on Off The Record, we’re bringing you something different: Sam Konnert interviews Jesse Brown following up on what he told us 6 months ago. Did he keep his promises? That will be coming out Thursday, July 2. Stay tuned!If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Do you know someone who should work at Canadaland? Well, our audio journalism fellowship is back this fall and applications are open from now til the end of June. We’re looking for a couple of recent grads or working journalists who want to move into the world of audio journalism. Find out more or apply by going to labs.canadaland.com Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Is Iran Behind Attacks in Canada?

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The Backbench CANADALAND When the group chat’s spiraling and your For You Page is a trainwreck, it’s hard to know what’s real — or what matters. Canadaland Politics (formerly The Backbench) cuts through the noise with bold questions, sharp analysis, and the political news you actually need.Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own. Canadaland Politics is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. What Is Happening Here | Canadaland Investigates Canadaland Statistically, a Jew in Canada is now 9 times more likely to be a victim of a hate crime than a Jew in the United States. How did this happen in a country known for politeness, diversity, and social democracy? Is this even a real phenomenon, or is anti-zionism being misclassified as antisemitism?Journalist and Publisher Jesse Brown is diving deep into the subject, travelling across Canada and speaking with Jews, anti-zionist activists, and high-profile public figures, all of whom have seen their lives change since October 7th, 2023.What Is Happening Here is available now — right here on Canadaland Investigates. Our critically-acclaimed and award-winning limited series, all in one place.canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.co Wag The Doug CANADALAND A monthly podcast grappling with the reality of four more infuriating years with the Fords and what that means for Ontario. Hosted by Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. The Imposter CANADALAND Weird art from Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode was published on June 30, 2026.

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An Iraqi man, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is at the center of a major U.S. terrorism case. Federal prosecutors allege he helped coordinate nearly 20 attacks across Europe and North America as an operative of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary...

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