International Dignitaries Rally for a New Iran Policy, Support NCRI as Democratic Alternative
Written by Shamsi Saadati
Paris, France – On Saturday, May 17, 2025, an influential international conference convened in Paris, uniting parliamentarians and prominent political figures from a wide array of countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Malta, Switzerland, Romania, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The central theme of the gathering was the urgent need for a new, decisive international policy towards Iran, with a strong emphasis on supporting democratic change and recognizing the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a viable alternative to the current regime.
The event served as a significant platform for global lawmakers to voice their concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, the regime’s escalating domestic repression, its destabilizing regional activities, and its persistent pursuit of a nuclear program. A recurring call throughout the conference was for Western governments to adopt a firmer stance, including the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, delivered the keynote address, welcoming the international dignitaries and acknowledging their steadfast support for democratic change in Iran. She asserted that four decades of appeasement towards the Iranian regime had only hindered progress, emphasizing that the regime is fundamentally incapable of reform. “The religious dictatorship ruling Iran is the source of terrorism and warmongering in the region,” Mrs. Rajavi stated, outlining that the regime will not cease its oppressive practices, nuclear ambitions, or regional interference, as these are integral to its survival.
She highlighted the regime’s fear of popular uprisings and the readiness of the Iranian people and their organized Resistance to bring about change. “The real solution is the overthrow of the regime by the people of Iran and the Iranian Resistance,” Mrs. Rajavi declared, presenting the NCRI and its core component, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), as a democratic alternative with a clear plan for a future republic based on separation of religion and state, gender equality, and a non-nuclear Iran. She called on European nations to “Add the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the list of terrorist organizations,” “activate the snapback mechanism” regarding UN resolutions, and “recognize the legitimate resistance of brave young Iranians fighting the IRGC.”
Conservative MP Bob Blackman, Chairman of the 1922 Committee, who spearheaded a statement signed by 560 UK lawmakers, emphasized the critical need for a policy shift. “It is time to change course on Iran policy. We should align our policy with the major shifts that have occurred in Iran and the region. We must stand with the Iranian people and the organized resistance, led by Maryam Rajavi and her Ten-Point Pan,” he stated.
Mr. Blackman presented a book signed by over 190 MPs supporting a free Iran and the NCRI’s Ten-Point Pan. He reiterated the call for the UK government to proscribe the IRGC, citing its terrorist activities, including a recently foiled plot in the UK. He asserted, “The only diplomatic relations we need are with the NCRI, Madam Rajavi, and the Iranian people.” He expressed a strong hope for the future: “Next year, we’re going to a free and democratic Tehran.”
Former UK Cabinet Minister, Rt Hon David Jones, highlighted the NCRI’s crucial role in exposing the Iranian regime’s clandestine nuclear program. He criticized the West’s decades-long diplomatic efforts, noting, “despite over two decades of diplomatic efforts, Iran now possesses enough uranium for multiple nuclear weapons, marking a significant failure of Western diplomacy.” Mr. Jones stressed the urgency of utilizing the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism, stating, “If the West is serious about stopping a nuclear armed Iran, the E3, that is the UK, Germany, and France must trigger the JCPOA snapback mechanism without delay.” He urged Western governments to recognize the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations, support Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan, and engage with the NCRI as the legitimate democratic opposition.
Baroness O’Loan argued that the regime’s severe repression, especially against women, signifies its fear of another uprising. She praised Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership and the NCRI’s Ten-Point Pan as the roadmap to a free republic. Presenting a book from the House of Lords, she announced, “over 330 members of the House of Lords have signed today’s parliamentary endorsement of the statement for Iranian freedom.”
Baroness O’Loan condemned the record number of executions and the regime’s deceptive nuclear fatwa, calling for the UK to proscribe the IRGC. “The UK must now proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization,” she urged, looking forward to welcoming Mrs. Rajavi to Westminster as President of a free Iran.
Former Member of Parliament Mark Williams paid tribute to the bravery of Iranians fighting for freedom and lauded Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership. “When the history of Iran’s future democratic republic is written, it will record how you and Masoud Rajavi organized, led the cause, led dissent, led a determined resistance, and built a viable democratic alternative,” he remarked. He underscored the Iranian people’s rejection of both Shah’s dictatorship and the current religious tyranny, referencing slogans from uprisings. Mr. Williams strongly advocated for the proscription of the IRGC, stating, “if ever there was a case to proscribe an organization for terrorism, it is the IRGC.”
William Powell, Member of the Welsh Assembly, expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and highlighted the support from Welsh parliamentarians for the NCRI’s Ten-Point Pan. “What unites us in this room today is a belief that Iran will again and again soon be free. And it will be free on the basis of Madam Rajavi and the program for government, the Ten-Point Plan,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of the Ashraf 3 community and urged democratic governments to recognize the legitimacy of the NCRI’s provisional government and resist “naive and frivolous negotiations with the current regime.”
Former Member of UK Parliament Martyn Day spoke as a human rights activist, condemning the Iranian regime’s extensive use of the death penalty as “state sanctioned terror.” He praised the courage of Iranian Resistance Units and women activists, advocating for a foreign policy based on principles. “At the heart of that policy must be support for Iran’s Democratic alternative, which is yourself, madam Rajavi, and the NCRI,” he declared, fully backing the Ten-Point Pan. He called for recognizing the NCRI, designating the IRGC as a terrorist group, and establishing an international tribunal for the regime’s crimes.
Member of UK Parliament Martin Vickers voiced his growing support for a free Iran and Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan. “If we keep up the pressure, we will secure democracy and freedom in Iran. So let’s move forward for a free Iran now,” Mr. Vickers affirmed, committing to support moves for a free Iran in the Westminster parliament.
Lord Dholakia, a long-standing supporter, shared an instance of the UK Parliament’s Joint Human Rights Committee hearing evidence from an Iranian Resistance member about death threats from the regime. He urged the UK government to work with allies to refer Iran’s human rights dossier to the UN Security Council and support a special UN tribunal for Iran.
Former Romanian Prime Minister Petre Roman drew parallels between the fight against Ceausescu’s dictatorship and the current struggle in Iran. He recounted how international support, like the “Save Romanian Villages” movement, was crucial for Romanians. “Suddenly, we understood we are not alone. That there are people with us, supporting us,” he recalled. He described the Iranian regime as facing an “unsolvable dilemma” regarding its nuclear program and economic survival, concluding its end is near. He affirmed, “With the NCRI and under the leadership of president Rajavi, the future of free Iran is under preparation right now.”
Judy Sgro, former Canadian Minister and current MP, acknowledged the NCRI’s vital role in exposing the Iranian regime’s global malfeasance. “It’s really only coming out because of the work of NCRI. And I thank you so much for that because you’re talking about saving thousands of lives by revealing exactly what is going on there,” she stated. She reaffirmed Canada’s support for the Iranian people’s aspirations for a democratic republic, rejecting both monarchical and theocratic dictatorships, and praised Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan. She proudly recalled Canada’s designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization and urged other nations, including the UK, to follow suit.
Janice Chetcuti, Member of Malta’s Parliament, expressed firm support for the Iranian people and the NCRI, urging the international community to end decades of impunity. She praised the bravery of Iranian women and the PMOI-led Resistance Units, calling their struggle a shared fight for freedom and justice. Chetcuti backed Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a clear democratic alternative and urged the EU to recognize the NCRI, declaring, “President Rajavi, we are with you with all our hearts.”
Canadian Senator Michael L. MacDonald spoke of Iran as a cradle of civilization and looked forward to its liberation from tyranny. He condemned the regime’s atrocities, including over 1,145 executions in eight months under the current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and its plundering of national wealth for terrorism and nuclear ambitions. “I am deeply moved by the remarkable courage political prisoners are showing in 41 prisons across the country as they persist in a protest against the death penalty,” he said. He highlighted the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan as the viable democratic alternative, backed by extensive international support, and commended Canada’s designation of the IRGC.
Peter Cleere, member of the Irish Parliament, declared strong support for the Iranian people and the NCRI, emphasizing a shared responsibility to stand against repression and dictatorship. He called for the IRGC to be designated a terrorist organization, stating it’s not symbolic but essential for justice. Cleere praised Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI’s vision as deeply human—centered on freedom, equality, and respect—and stressed that true change must come from empowering Iranians themselves. Expressing hope for a democratic Iran within our lifetime, he affirmed, “We, members of the Irish Parliament and Senate, will stand with you always.”
Irish Senator Gerard Craughwell described Iran’s regime as a dictatorship reliant on violence and fear, noting the over 1,100 executions since last summer. He lauded the bravery of PMOI Resistance Units and praised Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan as “a Ten-Point Pan that any democracy would be proud to use as a bedrock.” He called on the EU to take enforceable action, stating, “The time for talking is over and long over.” He urged the Iranian people: “You need to rise up, call the citizens of Iran together, and say enough.”
Ivan J. Bartolo, a member of Malta’s Parliament, voiced powerful support for the Iranian Resistance, recalling his visit to Ashraf 3 as a transformative experience that made the struggle for Iranian freedom deeply personal. He described the Iranian Resistance Museum as a sacred space honoring sacrifice and unbreakable spirit, and condemned the regime’s use of mass executions and repression as a sign of its fear of the people and the NCRI. Bartolo called for an end to appeasement, urging European governments to blacklist the IRGC and recognize the NCRI as the only viable democratic alternative grounded in Iranian values. Praising Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a roadmap for freedom, justice, and equality, he reaffirmed Malta’s ongoing support and pledged to continue advocating until Iran is free.
Irish MP James O’Connor expressed respect for the Iranian resistance and its confrontation with a brutal regime. He declared, “Let us be unequivocal. The regime in Tehran cannot be trusted,” citing its violations of international agreements and nuclear proliferation. He highlighted the NCRI’s revelations about secret weapon works. Mr. O’Connor condemned the regime’s targeting of PMOI supporters and affirmed that Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan “offers a real path to freedom, to unity, and to the peaceful transfer of power.” He called for the EU to change its policy and engage in dialogue with the NCRI.
Catherine Noone, lawyer and former Vice President of the Irish Senate, emphasized Ireland’s humanitarian tradition and long-standing support for Iran’s quest for freedom. She commended the “determination and courage” of the Iranian Resistance. Drawing parallels with Ireland’s history of achieving peace, she offered it as a story of hope. ” I think the Ten-Point Pan that many people have spoken about is eminently sensible and, you know, to do away with tyranny, I mean, it seems like such a basic thing to want to do,” she remarked, reaffirming support for the NCRI’s endeavors.
Irish Senator Mary Fitzpatrick presented a statement from the Irish Senate condemning Iran’s human rights crisis and endorsing the NCRI’s Ten-Point Pan. She recalled a motion in the Irish Senate condemning Mahsa Amini’s murder and the subsequent brutal suppression of protests. “We absolutely reject the dictatorial behavior. We stand for freedom, democracy, and human rights, and we absolutely endorse the Iranian opposition’s Ten-Point Pan, an alternative plan for a free and democratic Iran,” she stated. She highlighted the regime’s intensified repression, militarization of the education system, and cross-border targeting of activists, underscoring the Irish Senate’s support for an end to compulsory hijab, dictatorship, and executions.
Member of Irish Parliament Erin McGreehan emphasized that democratic change in Iran is essential, within reach, and comes with the NCRI’s Ten-Point Pan. “This plan offers a democratic, inclusive, and secular vision for a future Iran. It reflects the values we all share and that the Iranian people yearn for,” she said. She praised the NCRI’s embodiment of women’s leadership as “unprecedented and unique in Middle Eastern politics.” Ms. McGreehan called for the EU to designate the IRGC, refer the regime’s human rights dossier to the UN Security Council, and recognize the NCRI as the legitimate alternative.
Former Irish Senator Gerry Horkan addressed the worldwide Iranian community, affirming that “the people of Iran are rising and they will soon be free.” He paid tribute to the Resistance Units and the NCRI’s tireless work led by Mrs. Rajavi. “The NCRI represents and puts forward that alternative. It has deep roots inside Iran, a global support network, and a clear transition plan,” he stated, referencing the Ten-Point Pan. He called for recognizing the NCRI, designating the IRGC, demanding accountability for crimes against humanity, and placing Iran under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter.
Member of Irish Parliament Tony McCormack characterized the conference as a “united call for action,” beginning with IRGC designation and holding the regime accountable. “If the EU and the UK act in tandem and designate the IRGC in a coordinated and a timely manner… then the regime will understand that the era and culture of impunity is over,” he asserted. He proudly endorsed the NCRI’s democratic alternative and Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan, stating, “At its core, this plan reflects the will and desire of the Iranian people to live in freedom and self-determination.”
Prof. António Carmona Rodrigues, former Mayor of Lisbon and Minister, highlighted Iran’s critical water and electricity crises, attributing them to “destructive policies and the fundamentalist regime.” He stated, “Structural mismanagement, a securitized approach to science and environment… and above all, the squandering of vast national wealth and exporting terrorism… have left Iran in a dire situation.” He praised the NCRI as a democratic alternative with a clear plan, led by Mrs. Rajavi, capable of resolving these crises. He recalled Portugal’s own transition to democracy, expressing hope for Iran: “I hope that this day of freedom will come very soon, very soon to Iran.”
Dorien Rookmaker, former Member of the European Parliament, lauded Mrs. Rajavi’s role in building a movement against a “brutal religious fascist regime,” calling her “one of the most visionary leaders of our time.” She emphasized the NCRI as a “moral force” driven by women. “Your Ten-Point Pan outlines universal principles. There’s no reason to not support it,” Ms. Rookmaker stated, calling on her Dutch colleagues to join in supporting the NCRI. She urged European policymakers to recognize the NCRI and the Ten-Point Pan as the only organized democratic alternative and called for an end to appeasement.
Patrick Lussi, Member of the Grand Council of Geneva, announced that a majority of Geneva’s Grand Council members signed a declaration supporting the Iranian Resistance and Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan. He condemned the Iranian regime’s brutal repression, citing over 1,000 executions in 2024 and the 1988 massacre. “It is evident that this regime cannot be reformed,” he declared. He urged the Swiss government to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization, calling it a “moral [and] strategic” imperative to “sustain the courageous struggle of the Iranian people for freedom.”
A Unified Call for Change
The Paris conference underscored a growing international consensus among parliamentarians and political figures for a fundamental shift in policy towards Iran. The consistent themes of supporting the Iranian people’s desire for democracy, recognizing the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Pan as a credible and democratic alternative, and demanding firm action against the regime—most notably the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization—resonated throughout the speeches. The event highlighted a strong belief in the inevitability of change in Iran, driven by its people and their organized resistance, and a commitment from the international community to stand with them in their pursuit of a free, democratic, and secular republic.
This article was first published by NCR-Iran
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