On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a significant cross-party gathering of Irish lawmakers convened in Dublin under the banner “No to Executions, Terrorism, and Nuclear Weapons – Yes to Democratic Change and a Republic.” The event served as a powerful platform for condemning the Iranian regime’s egregious human rights violations, its destabilizing regional terrorism, its pursuit of nuclear weapons, and for advocating strong international policies in support of the Iranian Resistance.
In her compelling keynote address, NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi highlighted the multifaceted crises engendered by the ruling tyranny. She directly linked a recent catastrophic explosion in Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest port, which resulted in numerous casualties, to the regime’s “destructive military activities” and reckless militarism. Mrs. Rajavi stated, “This regime is defined by its terrible human rights abuses, warmongering, and its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons.” She stressed that the only path to peace and stability lies in the overthrow of the regime by the Iranian people and their organized Resistance, emphasizing, “This alternative provides a guarantee against chaos. It also guarantees national unity after the fall of the regime, and it guarantees a democratic and peaceful process for the transfer of power.”
Virtual Conference with Members of the Irish Houses of Parliament
Cause of Freedom, Cause of Mankind
In the past 30 years, Western governments have tried many appeasement policies toward this regime, but all of them have failed. Now, it is time for a major change in Europe’s… pic.twitter.com/kLPy3Db3on— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) April 29, 2025
Cross-Party Condemnation of Regime Brutality and Support for NCRI
The conference resonated with strong condemnations of the regime and ringing endorsements for the NCRI. Former MEP and minister Jim Higgins lauded Mrs. Rajavi’s tireless international advocacy, noting, “Everywhere she has gone… she manages to convey the message that the world really needs to rally behind the people of Iran.” He starkly warned of the regime’s global malign influence: “Their fingerprints of terror are all over… until such time as the regime is toppled, then and not till then will you have a lasting peace in that tragic, troubled part of the world.”
Echoing this sentiment, former minister John Paul Phelan, who shared his long-standing connection with Iranian exiles, decried the regime’s horrific execution record. “Two-thirds of all state executions in the world in 2024 took place in Iran… so many of them are young people, so many haven’t committed any offense,” he stated. Phelan firmly advocated for severing diplomatic ties: “We should not and should not countenance having an embassy in Tehran until there is a Democratic Republic of Iran.” He also commended the NCRI’s guiding principle: “Down with the oppressor, whether it’s the Shah or the Supreme Leader.”
Brendan Smith TD affirmed Ireland’s solidarity, declaring, “Ireland and Europe have to give a clear message that they stand with the oppressed. Well, that’s the message we give… The people of Ireland believe in democracy, we believe in human rights, and we believe in freedom. That’s what your people are seeking.”
Senator Gerard Craughwell explained his shift in perspective: “I was an advocate for opening an embassy in Iran. I believe now it was a mistake,” citing the regime’s sheer brutality. He pledged to use his platform to expose the regime’s atrocities.
Calls for Concrete Policy Shifts and International Accountability
A clear consensus emerged on the need for robust international action. Erin McGreehan TD, praising the PMOI for being “led entirely by women,” urged the EU to “designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization without delay” and to “refer Iran’s human rights dossier to the UN Security Council.”
Josh Byrne of Fine Gael Youth called for a “zero tolerance approach” to economic dealings with Tehran and urged leveraging EU diplomatic power for the “reimposition of sanctions and for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization.”
Pádraig O’Sullivan TD highlighted the nuclear peril, warning, “The Iranian regime continues to flagrantly violate the Iran nuclear deal.” He called for Ireland and the EU to work towards placing the regime “under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter” and to “activate the snapback mechanism to reinstate UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions.”
Senator Joe O’Reilly, Vice President of the EPP at the Council of Europe, praised Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership and described the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as “a succinct road to a secular democratic society.”
Amir Seifi, representing the Iranian community, articulated the fundamental nature of the struggle: “Today, we speak not merely of policies and politics, but of principle—the timeless battle between tyranny and freedom.” He urged the international community to “recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist and support the NCRI and President-elect Maryam Rajavi.”
The conference concluded with a unified message: the Iranian regime is an intolerable threat to its people and global security. The Irish lawmakers strongly signaled that supporting the Iranian Resistance and adopting decisive policies are essential for fostering a free, democratic, and secular republic in Iran. Their collective voice adds significant momentum to the global call for change and accountability.