Iran flag removed from Paralympics opening ceremony after sole athlete withdraws over travel safety concerns

Two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, citing an inability to travel amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli joint military campaign against Iran. 

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Mianaei’s withdrawal hours before the opening ceremony on Friday, adding that because of the withdrawal, Iran's flag would be removed from the Athletes Parade. 

"It is really disappointing for world sport and especially for...