The Olympic Committee refused to impose sanctions against athletes from Israel and the USA

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a special statement on the principles of neutrality of the Olympic movement. It noted that Israel and the United States will not be punished in any way for the attack on Iran, RBC reports .

“In a world rocked by conflict, division and tragedy, where lives are lost and many suffer tragedies, now more than ever, the IOC firmly believes that sport must remain a beacon of hope - a force that unites the world in peaceful competition,” the IOC emphasized.

The organization emphasized the principle of neutrality of the Olympic movement, which was recently once again agreed upon by the IOC executive board. A special working group within the organization continues to work to strengthen this approach.

The IOC recalled the UN resolution, which guarantees safe passage to the Olympics for all qualified athletes. The principle of the Olympic Truce must be strictly observed, but the IOC, which has permanent observer status at the UN, does not have the means “to ensure compliance with the resolution.”

After the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, the IOC recommended that international sports federations suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from participation in competitions. Russia's attack on Ukraine was perceived as a violation of the Olympic truce. The committee also revoked the Olympic Order in gold, which was awarded to Vladimir Putin in 2001.

The United States, together with Israel, launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026. Iran was subjected to a massive missile attack, during which the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed . US President Donald Trump said the main goal of the operation was the destruction of Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Photo: Association of National Olympic Committees