The headquarters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in France, became a focal point for international solidarity on May 31, hosting the “Free Iran 2025 Conference – Regime Change for a Democratic Republic.” The event brought together a distinguished assembly of lawmakers, former officials, and human rights advocates from across the globe, all united by the common goal of supporting the Iranian people’s quest for freedom and the establishment of a democratic, secular republic.
Maryam Rajavi: Regime at its Weakest, Resistance Offers Viable Path Forward
NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi delivered a keynote address, painting a stark picture of a clerical regime teetering on the brink due to internal crises, economic collapse, and growing public discontent, juxtaposed with a resilient and organized resistance movement.
She asserted that the regime’s “40-year stronghold in Syria collapsed” and its strategic proxies have been “irreparably crippled.” Mrs. Rajavi emphasized that the “most decisive factor shaping the current crisis for the regime is the existence of a strong, prepared alternative—the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).”
Speech at the Second #FreeIran2025 Conference
The tumultuous events of the past year have underscored—more than ever— the vital importance of a democratic alternative that holds the key to resolving the crisis in Iran.https://t.co/FNRZlxQDIK— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) May 31, 2025
She called on the international community “To designate the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. To officially recognize the Iranian people’s struggle to overthrow the clerical regime. And to acknowledge the courageous struggle of the Resistance Units in their fight against the criminal IRGC.”
Overwhelming International Endorsement for NCRI and the Ten-Point Plan
A significant theme throughout the conference was the widespread and growing international backing for the NCRI as a legitimate and viable democratic alternative, and strong support for Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a future Iran.
.@larsrise: Our friends in #Albania have resisted tyranny for over 50 years—true perseverance. I hope the U.S. honors #HRes166 and stands firm, free from Tehran’s influence.#NCRIAlternativehttps://t.co/xLFXIJpSNh
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Lars Rise, a former Norwegian MP, announced “new declarations from legislators in other parliaments,” highlighting an “unprecedented international consensus among lawmakers.” He specifically mentioned U.S. House Resolution 166, backed by a majority of the House, and similar endorsements from 570 British lawmakers and a majority in the Irish Senate.
Naike Gruppioni, an Italian MP, stated, “A great number of Italian MPs signed an official declaration in support of the Ten-Point Plan of Mrs. Rajavi. This is a signal that Italy stands with the fight for freedom.” She described the plan as “a bright vision for democracy, an Iran without death sentences, where women live freely, where elections are free and fair.”
.@naike_gruppioni: The #IranianResistance and #MEKResistanceUnits are changing Iran’s future. The Italian Parliament sends a clear message: you are not alone.
https://t.co/RpqMD1dQqs— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Geir Haarde, former Prime Minister of Iceland, affirmed, “We are committed to supporting the Iranian people and their efforts to establish a secular Republic based on human rights, gender equality and free and fair elections, as well as the other points in Madam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan.” He added, “This plan, which has already been supported by over 4000 parliamentarians and more than 100 former world leaders, offers a road map to a democratic future in Iran and lasting peace in the region.”
Steve McCabe, a member of the UK House of Lords, noted, “There is a growing international consensus, reflected in the support of over 4000 parliamentarians and about 100 former leaders globally… now over 600 British parliamentarians and rising.” He urged his government to “recognizing Madam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan and the NCRI as the only viable democratic alternative.”
.@GHaarde: I urge the EU to blacklist the #IRGC as the terrorist org it is—as demanded in multiple EU Parliament resolutions. All governments should endorse @Maryam_Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a free, secular, democratic Iran.#NCRIAlternative
https://t.co/X83jMFbZqD— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Kees de Lange, a former Dutch Senator, praised “the vision of the 10 Point Plan for Freedom and Democracy can be achieved under the leadership of Maryam Rajavi and the National Council of Resistance of Iran is an example for the world.”
Sir Alan Meale, a former UK Minister, lauded the Ten-Point Plan as “a real report and agenda for change, agenda that says we want a free Iran.”
Unwavering Support for Resistance Units on the Ground
Speakers lauded the bravery and pivotal role of the Resistance Units affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) operating inside the country.
Lars Rise commended lawmakers who “stand in clear opposition to the failed and destructive policy of appeasement” and support “the thousands of Resistance Units inside Iran.”
Naike Gruppioni highlighted that “The Iranian Resistance and the Resistance Units are changing the face of Iran.”
Geir Haarde declared, “Despite the regime’s total suppression, the Resistance Units bravely stand against the terror and repression of the Revolutionary Guards. And we must all declare our solidarity with the resistance units.”
Lord @steve_mccabe: As the UK moves against the regime, it must take the next step—support the Iranian people's fight for democracy. That means backing @Maryam_Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan & recognizing the #NCRIAlternative as the only viable path forward.
https://t.co/DjqEiORA9p— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Leo Dautzenberg, former German MP and Chair of DSFI (German Solidarity Committee for a Free Iran), noted, “The regime is facing a mounting challenge from Resistance Units.”
In her speech, Maryam Rajavi stated, “This vigorous struggle, relying on Iran’s defiant youth and led at its core by the PMOI Freedom Fighters and Resistance Units, is steadily moving toward victory… Although the activities and operations of these Resistance Units are largely censored in Western media, they remain the vanguard of this struggle, and this is what terrifies the mullahs.”
Unified Call to Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization
A strong and recurring demand from the speakers was the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, citing its role in domestic repression and international terrorism.
Carsten Mueller, a German MP, stated unequivocally, “What is our main focus? We want the IRGC to be listed as a terrorist organization. We need to take action now.”
.@olaelvestuen: The Iranian regime uses agents and lobbyists to smear the #NCRIAlternative and those who support its vision—even in Norway. We must do better at standing up for the people of Iran and their fight for freedom.#FreeIran2025https://t.co/PP0URQVbSi
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Geir Haarde urged the European Union “to take decisive action. By blacklisting the IRGC as a terrorist organization, which is what it is.”
Baroness Sandip Verma of the UK House of Lords declared, “We call on them to proscribe the IRGC, central to the regimes terrorism and repression.”
Steve McCabe pointed out recent UK government moves: “Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has now promised a new legal framework which will give British ministers the powers to proscribe the IRGC… These are welcome and long overdue measures. The IRGC is a terrorist organization that should be banned across the globe.”
Nina Hansson: I'm proud our #Norwegian delegation includes four parties—proof of strong democracy. I support your resistance, especially its powerful female leadership. I believe in the transition to democracy in Iran—and that it’s near.#FreeIran2025
https://t.co/hHCbWQpWEF— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Stefanie Bung, a Member of Berlin’s State Parliament, added, “We support sanctions against the regime and the terrorist designation of the IRGC.”
Rejecting Both Shah and Mullahs: A Call for True Democracy
Speakers emphasized that the Iranian people’s aspiration is for a genuine democratic republic, rejecting both the current religious dictatorship and the former monarchical tyranny.
Geir Haarde stated the Free Iran Alliance supports “the Iranian people’s right to self determination, Free from theocracy and a dictatorial monarchy. We advocate for a future wherein Iranians can choose their government democratically, rejecting all forms of dictatorship.”
Emanuele Pozzolo, an Italian MP, argued against a return to the past, saying, “They are trying to say there are other alternatives such as Reza Pahlavi. But Iran has already seen Pahlavi’s alternative, which has failed. The only alternative is that of Maryam Rajavi.”
Member of State Parliament @chcalderone: The Iranian regime has no future. It destroys Iran’s history, freedom, and rule of law. In Germany, we uphold justice. In Iran, criminals like Raisi rise through killing. We support a future #FreeIran2025.
https://t.co/ht6jFfMagM— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Struan Stevenson, a former Scottish MEP, was particularly blunt: “Reza Pahlavi is a phony. The Iranian people don’t want him… The PMOI/MEK reject the mullahs’ dictatorship, Their religious dictatorship, and seek to replace it as a democratic and independent Republic based on the separation of church and state.”
Hiva Mohammadi, representing the Iranian Youth Association, expressed the sentiment of the younger generation: “We have experienced the brutality of the current regime, and the oppression of the shah regime before that. We want to break that cycle with the ten-point plan of Madam Rajavi.”
Hosein Yaghubi, also from the Iranian Youth Association, provided historical context: “Our country has endured two tyrannical regimes: The Pahlavi dynasty, which eased the way for the mullahs’ regime in 1979… Democracy and popular sovereignty is only possible by rejecting both forms of tyranny. This is represented by the movement led by Mrs. Rajavi, which rejects both the shah and mullahs’ regimes.”
Leo Dautzenberg: The path of resistance has been paid in blood—and it will not be in vain. Appeasement has helped this dictatorship survive. The regime spreads lies and #misinformation in Europe to weaken the #NCRIAlternative.
https://t.co/VBx4m2ZnvO— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Solidarity with Protests and the Vision for a Free Iran
The conference resonated with messages of solidarity for ongoing protests within Iran, including those by truck drivers, teachers, retirees, and women, and underscored the people’s desire for fundamental change.
Carsten Mueller noted, “The mullahs’ regime in Tehran has been keeping this culturally beautiful and splendid country in darkness… our hope all over the globe, is weighing on the shoulders of these brave people in Iran.”
Nina Hansson, a Norwegian author and trade unionist, paid “tribute to the courageous truck drivers of Iran who have been on strike for more than a week now… This strike is not an isolated labor dispute, it’s actually part of the broader growing moment in Iran. It is a cry for freedom, justice and dignity.”
Former German MP @thlutze: In Germany, there's unity on #Iran—but silence on key issues. The regime supports terror, yet its mass executions and the truck drivers’ strike go unreported. These crimes must not be ignored.#FreeIran2025
https://t.co/AE0z8my6Oq— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
Baroness Verma highlighted the resilience of women: “To the brave people of Iran, especially to the women leading the resistance, we hear you. We stand with you.” She also drew attention to the “no execution Tuesday campaign now ongoing for over 70 weeks.”
Sir Alan Meale spoke of widespread unrest: “The strikes of the lorry drivers are real and they are now approaching the 10th day of action, and they stand alongside the many teachers who are daily going on strike, the retirees have gone on strike, the nurses are going on strike.”
Nahal Safa, from the Iranian Youth Association, powerfully stated, “The political prisoners show us when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty. This is why the No to Execution Tuesdays exist for 70 weeks in 45 prisons across the country… The message of my generation, my brave brothers and sisters inside Iran, is clear. They demand regime change.”
Ehsan Gharaee, also from the Iranian Youth Association, shared a poignant personal story and observed, “Khamenei has chosen slow motion murder, 1 execution every four hours. But make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, these executions are not a show of strength. They are the regime’s loudest cry of fear.”
Former #Romanian MP Ben Oni Ardelean: Before our revolution, fear ruled. The regime stood stubborn—just like #Iran’s today. When Ceausescu finally faced the people, he didn’t recognize them. They rose up, and he panicked. That’s how dictators fall. https://t.co/o95jVPkIF2
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 31, 2025
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of commitment from international supporters to amplify the voice of the Iranian people and their organized resistance. The overwhelming message was one of hope and determination: that a free, democratic, and secular republic in Iran is not only an aspiration but an achievable reality, with the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan providing a clear roadmap for the future.