Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivered a speech at the Free Iran World Summit 2024 in Paris, highlighting the critical role of women in the resistance against the Iranian dictatorship, the hopeful future of Iran, and the Ten-Point Plan of Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
Talking about the Ten-Point Plan, he said, “Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for the future of Iran will extend political, social, and economic equality to women. It will allow all citizens to prosper and thrive in a free market economy. The Ten-Point Plan will ensure the freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly, and guarantee the right of every Iranian to live, to work, to worship, according to the dictates of their conscience in freedom.”
Pence honored the memory of the late Senator Joe Lieberman, a staunch supporter of Iranian freedom, before addressing the assembly. He expressed his unwavering support for the Iranian resistance, urging those fighting for freedom within Iran to persist: “Keep working, keep fighting, never stop believing in a free Iran, and never doubt that the freedom-loving American people are with you and support your dream of a secular democratic Iranian Republic.”
Reflecting on recent events, Pence noted the death of regime President Ebrahim Raisi, describing it as a moment that signified the regime’s weakening grip. “Raisi died of failure because the resistance is stronger than ever before,” he declared, highlighting the significance of the lowest voter turnout in Iran’s history during the recent elections as a testament to the people’s disillusionment with the regime.
Pence emphasized that the current regime in Iran is “weaker, less stable, and more prone to collapse than at any point in history.” He asserted that only a “tested, organized, and proven resistance” could bring about lasting change. This movement, he stated, is the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which he praised for its resilience and ability to inspire action.
The former Vice President underscored the regime’s fear of the NCRI, noting the persecution of its leaders and members. “The persecution and murder of members of the Resistance Units across Iran have strongly strengthened this movement in its numbers, its capabilities, its resolve, and its inspiration in the free world,” he said. Despite the regime’s efforts, Pence believes that the Iranian people are more united and ready for change than ever before.
Pence praised Maryam Rajavi’s leadership and her Ten-Point Plan, which promises a future of political, social, and economic equality for women, freedom of expression, assembly, and the right for every Iranian to live, work, and worship according to their conscience.
Reflecting on his visit to Ashraf 3 in Albania, Pence spoke of the sacrifices made by members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), expressing his confidence in their readiness to lead. “I know the MEK is ready to lead. I want the wider world to understand that MEK and the NCRI share the same values that Western nations hold dear.”
Pence criticized the current American administration for its approach to Iran, particularly the attempts to restore the Iran nuclear deal. He called these actions “naive and dangerous,” emphasizing the need for strong American leadership and support for the Iranian people. “We stand unequivocally on the side of freedom and the Iranian people and their Resistance Units,” he affirmed.
Addressing the broader geopolitical implications, Pence highlighted the Iranian regime’s support for global terrorism, including supplying drones to Russia and supporting terrorist groups. He argued that the regime in Tehran has never been weaker, with rampant poverty and corruption fueling public discontent. “Four out of five Iranians now live below the poverty line. Corruption is at an all-time high. The Iranian people are fed up. They’re ready for change,” he said.
Pence concluded his speech with a hopeful vision for Iran’s future. He expressed his belief that the day will come when the Iranian regime collapses and a new era of peace, prosperity, and freedom begins. “I believe just as the Soviet Union collapsed under the weight of its own sins, so too will be the fate of the oppressors in Iran. The day will come when the unelected Ayatollahs release their iron-fisted grip on Iran and their people, and a new glorious day will dawn.”
He assured the audience that he and millions of Americans will continue to pray for a free Iran and expressed his anticipation for the day when they will gather in a “free, open, democratic Iran.”
