National Resistance Council’s Stance on Iranian Regime Change

Leadership from the National Resistance Council, representing various Iranian opposition groups, asserts that lasting peace in the Middle East hinges on a change of power achieved through the organized efforts of the Iranian people. They emphasize that it’s Iranians, not foreign forces, who should lead the effort to overthrow the Islamic Republic.

Mariam Rajabi, the president-elect of the Iranian Congress of Resistance (NCRI), made a statement on Wednesday to the European Parliament, noting, “The crisis of subversion has fully engulfed an administrative dictatorship that everyone can see.”

She pointed out that Israel’s unexpected military action on Friday exacerbated the broader conflict.

Rajabi stressed, “It’s critical to recognize that the ongoing conflict over the last 44 years—since June 20, 1981—represents a struggle for the Iranian people and their resistance against the prevailing religious fascism.”

She further asserted, “The only feasible solution lies in the overthrow of this regime, driven by the Iranian people and their resistance.”

Rajabi recalled that she stood in front of the same European assembly 21 years ago, calling for support for Iran’s “third option”—changing the government through the efforts of the Iranian populace, rather than through military intervention. She expressed concern that merely easing the current regime would only prolong its existence and potentially embroil the West deeper into the conflict.

Drawing lessons from past events, Rajabi highlighted the dangers of complacency, evoking the “Munich experience” as a cautionary tale. “Let’s not repeat mistakes,” she cautioned, urging against a scenario where a cleric could wield a nuclear weapon.

She declared that her previous warnings had been validated. Rajabi reiterated that the Iranian resistance does not believe in internal reform, noting, “Vipers don’t give birth to pigeons—religious dictatorships are fundamentally incapable of reform.” According to her, the core of this regime has always been fueled by terrorism and fundamentalism, showing no intent to abandon its aggressive pursuit of nuclear capabilities.

“These realities are clear,” she asserted.

Rajabi concluded firmly, stating, “The solution to the ongoing war and crisis lies in the Iranian people’s overthrow of this regime and the establishment of a new government.” She identified the Iranian National Resistance Council as the only legitimate alternative, rooted in a 44-year history of organized opposition to the Islamic Republic.

She touched upon Iran’s historical issues with foreign interference—from the establishment of the British monarchy to the coup in 1953—and asserted that genuine change must come from within Iran, rather than imposed externally. This, she argued, led to the rise of Khomeini.

Rajabi also indicated support for the exiled son of the former Shah, reinforcing the idea that the Iranian people reject any form of dictatorship. “After 60 years of resisting both monarchy and theocracy, the Iranian populace demands freedom,” she remarked.

To this end, Rajabi presented a detailed 10-point plan for Iran’s democratic future. This blueprint includes contributions from over 4,000 lawmakers, 130 former world leaders, and 80 Nobel Prize laureates. It advocates for a transitional government leading to free elections and the establishment of a secular republic.

The proposed plan calls for universal voting rights, a market-based economy, equality across genders and ethnicities, the separation of religion from state, and a peaceful foreign policy free of nuclear armament.