PARIS — The second day of the Free Iran 2026 World Summit brought together a broad range of former senior officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, military leaders, and human rights advocates who voiced support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its vision for political change in Iran.
Held on June 21, the gathering marked the 45th anniversary of June 20, 1981, when Iranian security forces opened fire on a mass demonstration in Tehran. Throughout the day, speakers repeatedly referred to the role of organized resistance inside Iran, the need to reject both religious rule and monarchical restoration, and the importance of supporting democratic change led by Iranians themselves.
The event unfolded against the backdrop of restrictions imposed on a planned mass rally by Iranian expatriates in Paris. Several speakers criticized the move, arguing that it reflected broader challenges faced by Iranian opposition groups abroad.
Opening the session, Professor Ramesh Sepehrad commemorated those killed during the events of June 1981 and described the summit as a platform representing political prisoners, workers, and young protesters inside Iran. She argued that neither administrative restrictions nor international policies of engagement with Tehran had diminished the momentum of the opposition movement.
NCRI President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi delivered the keynote address, focusing on the role of organized resistance and what she described as the necessity of a domestic force capable of confronting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Rajavi paid tribute to members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) who lost their lives over decades of confrontation with the Iranian authorities.
She reiterated the NCRI’s proposal for a transitional process in which a provisional government would organize free elections within six months of political change. Rajavi also emphasized that Iran’s future should exclude both the current religious system and a return to monarchical rule.
The summit featured remarks from a number of former senior Western officials.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor Gen. James L. Jones described the Iranian government as facing significant internal pressures, including economic challenges and public dissatisfaction. He argued that political transformation is most likely when popular discontent converges with an organized opposition movement. Jones also urged governments and media organizations to challenge what he characterized as Tehran’s disinformation efforts and to examine the NCRI’s political platform more closely.
British MP Bob Blackman, Chairman of the British Committee for Iran Freedom, told participants that more than 3,000 parliamentarians worldwide had expressed support for the NCRI’s proposed transitional framework. Blackman highlighted recent developments in the United Kingdom concerning legislation that could facilitate the proscription of the IRGC.
Former UK Secretary of State for Wales David Jones criticized what he described as decades of Western appeasement toward Tehran, arguing that dialogue and concessions had failed to moderate the Iranian government. He endorsed what supporters of the NCRI refer to as a “third option” — neither military intervention nor accommodation, but political change led by Iranians.
Former U.S. Special Envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg pointed to the NCRI’s 2002 disclosures regarding Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz and Arak as evidence of the organization’s intelligence capabilities. He argued that weakening the regime’s strategic position could create opportunities for domestic political change.
Former UK Defense Secretary Sir Liam Fox focused on regional security concerns, warning that any easing of economic pressure could strengthen the Iranian authorities and their regional activities. He maintained that only Iranians themselves should determine the country’s political future.
Accountability and human rights were recurring themes throughout the conference.
Former FBI Director Louis Freeh called for greater international efforts to investigate and prosecute officials involved in human rights abuses. He argued that establishing individual criminal responsibility for acts committed by Iranian authorities should remain a priority for the international community.
Former Finnish Prime Minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki drew comparisons between contemporary Iranian opposition efforts and historical democratic movements in Europe. She expressed support for the NCRI’s political program and argued that meaningful change would come from those actively resisting inside Iran rather than through foreign intervention.
Belgian lawmaker Kathleen Depoorter highlighted the situation of women in Iran and called for human rights considerations to become a central factor in diplomatic relations with Tehran. She praised the NCRI’s proposals regarding secular governance, judicial independence, and gender equality.
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Tod Wolters emphasized what he described as the growing presence of Resistance Units throughout Iran. He argued that organized opposition networks inside the country demonstrate the persistence of anti-government sentiment despite ongoing repression.
Religious freedom and minority rights also featured prominently in the discussions.
Dr. Margot Käßmann, former Chairperson of the Evangelical Church in Germany, condemned the persecution of religious minorities in Iran and stressed the importance of separating religion from state institutions. She noted that a group of bishops and rabbis had jointly condemned recent executions in Iran.
Former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt drew attention to recent executions of activists and Resistance Unit members. She argued that younger generations of Iranians increasingly reject both the current political system and the prospect of restoring the monarchy.
Several speakers specifically addressed the debate over potential alternatives to the current Iranian government. Former U.S. Ambassador Carla Sands, former Icelandic Prime Minister Geir Haarde, former White House official Linda Chavez, and former U.S. Ambassador Robert Joseph all argued that political change should emerge from organized movements inside Iran rather than through external intervention or a return to the monarchy.
The conference concluded with remarks from former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Lincoln Bloomfield, former Members of the European Parliament Struan Stevenson and Paulo Casaca, and representatives of younger generations of Iranian activists.
Speaking on behalf of Iranian youth attending the summit, jurist and commentator Mahan Taraj reflected on growing up in exile and her decision to support the NCRI after independently studying Iran’s political history. She linked the current generation of activists to those who participated in the June 1981 demonstrations and to contemporary Resistance Units operating inside Iran.
As the second day of the summit came to a close, participants repeatedly returned to a common theme: the future of Iran should be determined by its citizens. While speakers differed in emphasis—focusing variously on human rights, regional security, accountability, or democratic governance—the proceedings centered on support for an organized opposition movement and rejection of both the current theocratic system and any restoration of hereditary rule.
