Canadian PhD Student Flagged as Security Threat Over Iran Weapons Research

Canada's national security agencies have flagged an Iranian PhD student at Carleton University as a security threat, alleging his aerospace engineering research could advance Iran's weapons programs.

Mohammadreza Pakatchian, 41, began studies at Carleton online in 2023 after receiving a scholarship from the university. According to classified intelligence reports obtained by Global News, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service says Pakatchian works for an Iranian company sanctioned for its role in weapons of mass destruction.

CSIS also noted Pakatchian is associated with an Iranian academic whose research focuses on ballistic missiles and military technology. He obtained his master's degree at an Iranian university known for work on uranium enrichment, nuclear implosion, and missile guidance.

Upon completing his studies in Ottawa, security reports say, Pakatchian intends to return to the same sanctioned Iranian company to apply what he has learned. The Canada Border Services Agency added that the knowledge he gains "could be used to contribute to advancing Iran's military and weapons systems."

On February 17, immigration officials wrote that if Pakatchian continued pursuing his PhD at Carleton, "the expertise gained in Canada will likely be transferred and used to further Iran's WMD programs."

Pakatchian did not respond to emails, and his lawyer declined to comment. Carleton University, the CBSA, and CSIS did not respond to questions about the case.

Middle East expert Prof. Thomas Juneau of the University of Ottawa said Iran's missile and drone programs showed improvement during the recent 2026 war with Israel and the U.S., with better accuracy and reliability than previous years. Matthew Levitt, fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, noted authorities have long been concerned that Iranian scientists studying abroad may be trying to fill gaps in knowledge or components for these programs.