On July 31, 2025, the Free Iran World Summit convened in Rome, uniting prominent political figures from Europe and the U.S. to address the deepening crisis in Iran. The summit was held shortly after the Iranian regime executed Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani, members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Their sacrifice became a central theme, symbolizing the regime’s growing desperation and the resilience of its opposition.
Speakers condemned the regime’s brutality and emphasized its increasing reliance on repression. A consensus emerged around the “Third Option”—a strategy rejecting both foreign intervention and appeasement in favor of regime change by the Iranian people and their organized resistance.
Maryam Rajavi: A Clear Vision for a Democratic Iran
Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), delivered the keynote, describing the recent executions as acts of fear, not strength. She emphasized the regime’s weakness and presented a roadmap for a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic.
The National Solidarity Front:
-Unites forces fighting for a democratic and independent republic.
-Rejects the religious dictatorship, and all affiliated factions.
-Relies on the separation of religion and state.#IranThirdOptionhttps://t.co/werfSp5k7I— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) July 31, 2025
Rajavi denounced the regime’s history of crisis generation—from war to terrorism—and stressed that the current crisis is one of overthrow. She declared the only viable solution is the removal of the regime by the people and their resistance, arguing that it would ensure peace in the region.
Firmly rejecting both clerical and monarchic dictatorships, Rajavi reiterated that the future lies not in returning to the past but in advancing toward a free and democratic Iran. She emphasized that the NCRI offers an organized alternative, committed to transferring sovereignty to the people through free elections.
Human Rights Abuses Under Global Scrutiny
Human rights abuses dominated much of the discussion. Stephen Rapp, former U.S. Ambassador, noted that Iran had carried out 700 executions in the first half of 2025, citing sham trials and torture-based confessions.
Professor Javaid Rehman, former UN Special Rapporteur, condemned the secret executions of Hassani and Ehsani and warned of the regime’s potential for repeating the 1988 massacre, when 30,000 political prisoners were killed. He cited a July 7 editorial from Fars News, affiliated with the IRGC, that called the massacre a “successful experience,” a chilling sign of intent.
Charles Michel, former President of the European Council, echoed the warning, calling for immediate international action. Nazli Afshar, a young Iranian-Italian, spoke emotionally of her uncle, executed during the 1988 massacre, highlighting the intergenerational trauma inflicted by the regime.
We are present at the Free Iran Conference in Italy – standing with the Iranian people for freedom, democracy, and regime change! ✊#FreeIran10PointPlan #NCRIAlternative #No2ShahNo2Mullahs pic.twitter.com/3IRFYtDFZv
— Forum of Youth for a Democratic Republic in Iran (@YouthforIran_) July 31, 2025
Support for the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan
International figures praised NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as a viable blueprint for Iran’s future. Former Italian PM Matteo Renzi affirmed that “regime change by the people of Iran and their Resistance” is the only way forward.
Charles Michel labeled appeasement as “complicity,” calling the NCRI a democratic alternative and the Ten-Point Plan a foundation for a free republic. Former U.S. Ambassador Carla Sands and Italian economist Carlo Cottarelli also endorsed the plan, highlighting its commitment to gender equality, secularism, and a non-nuclear Iran.
The Resistance Units Inside Iran
Key attention was given to the PMOI’s Resistance Units operating inside Iran. Andrin Mohseni, a young Iranian from Switzerland, saluted their bravery in confronting state repression. These activists, he said, break the “barriers of fear” and keep the flame of resistance alive.
Hans Ulrich Seidt, former German ambassador, described the Resistance Units as essential to undermining the regime from within, demonstrating that the opposition is both domestic and legitimate.
Exposing the Regime’s Propaganda
The summit also addressed the regime’s campaign to demonize the resistance. Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian senator, spoke of her own experience with disinformation after supporting the PMOI. She argued the regime labels the resistance a “cult” to discredit a credible alternative.
Charles Michel emphasized that the regime’s obsession with attacking the opposition proves its effectiveness and threat to its survival. Samira Ardalani noted that the regime attempts to tarnish the image of executed dissidents to avoid international backlash.
Rejection of Monarchy and Call to Designate IRGC
A strong stance was taken against restoring the monarchy. Senator Giulio Terzi, former Italian foreign minister, and Linda Chavez, former U.S. official, firmly opposed any return to Shah-era repression. Rudy Giuliani bluntly referred to the Shah’s son as the “son of a mass murderer,” arguing Iran deserves a true democratic republic.
Honored to do interviews all day today about @Maryam_Rajavi and her ten point plan to have a free and democratic Iran pic.twitter.com/SfNa0ef3rD
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) July 31, 2025
Speakers also called for the IRGC to be designated as a terrorist organization. Senator Terzi urged European governments to act, framing it as a key demand alongside recognizing the right to resist.
Final Message: The Future Belongs to the Iranian People
The Rome Summit concluded with a unified message: the Iranian regime is in its final phase, and only the people of Iran can determine its future. Former UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly summed it up: leadership must come from within, not be imposed.
Rome – July 31, 2025@chavezlinda : You are freedom fighters.
I have been privileged to be here with you for these years.
We are living in a moment now that is important.
What has to happen is regime change and we need it.
14 people associated with PMOI who are waiting on… pic.twitter.com/JlMlvVqa31— Women's Committee NCRI (@womenncri) July 31, 2025
The call was clear—no to war, no to appeasement, and yes to supporting the Iranian people and their organized resistance as they fight for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty.
