Iran’s only competitor at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina has withdrawn from the Games due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the International Paralympic Committee said on Friday.

The athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, 23, was scheduled to compete in two cross-country skiing events but cannot safely travel to Italy because of the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed disappointment over the development, describing the situation as heartbreaking for the athlete.

“It is really disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl that he is unable to travel safely to compete at his third Paralympic Winter Games at Milano Cortina 2026,” Parsons said in a statement.

He added that the IPC and organisers of the Milano Cortina 2026 had explored alternative travel arrangements for the Iranian delegation since the conflict began, but the risks involved were too high.

Khatibi Mianaei’s withdrawal means Iran’s flag will not appear in the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony of the Games.

Speaking earlier at a press conference in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Parsons described the Middle East conflict as a breach of the Olympic truce.

He also noted that it is the third time in four Paralympic Winter Games that global conflict has disrupted the event, referencing Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Winter Paralympics will feature athletes competing in six sports across venues in northern Italy until March 15, following closely after the 2026 Winter Olympics.