On December 17, 2024, a significant congressional briefing, “Iran Policy: Combating the Regime’s Warmongering and Terrorism, Advancing a Democratic, Non-Nuclear Republic,” took place in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event featured remarks from Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and bipartisan U.S. lawmakers like Representatives Tom McClintock, Brad Sherman, Nancy Mace, Judy Chu, and others. The conference highlighted the Iranian people’s aspirations for regime change, democracy, and human rights.
In her address, Maryam Rajavi asserted that the regime’s reliance on nuclear weapons stems from desperation after regional failures, such as the collapse of its proxy strategies. She emphasized international alignment with the Iranian people, commended bipartisan U.S. support via House Resolution 1148, and called for UN sanctions to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Rajavi outlined a democratic vision for post-regime Iran, prioritizing free elections, equality, and a non-nuclear Middle East.
Rep. Tom McClintock described the regime as fragile, likening it to a hollow structure about to collapse under domestic and international pressures. He praised the NCRI’s non-seizure approach, aiming to empower Iranians. Similarly, Rep. Brad Sherman acknowledged the NCRI’s pivotal role in exposing Iran’s secret nuclear program and stressed the importance of supporting resistance groups.
Rep. Nancy Mace lauded the critical role of Iranian women in resisting the regime and confidently declared the inevitability of the regime’s fall. She opposed all forms of dictatorship and urged U.S. action to end Iran’s proxy wars. Rep. Judy Chu reaffirmed her commitment to democracy and human rights, noting the bravery of Iranians in the face of oppression and expressing pride in House Resolution 100, which condemns Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism.
Rep. Glenn Grothman highlighted the suppressed potential of Iranians under the regime and called for liberation to unleash their talents. Rep. Pete Sessions advocated for unity and persistence, asserting the need for regime change to ensure justice and freedom. Rep. Rich McCormick denounced the regime’s oppression and called for proactive measures against its nuclear ambitions, emphasizing U.S. leadership. Rep. Ronny Jackson declared the bipartisan nature of the effort to free Iran and expressed confidence in imminent change under U.S. leadership.
Rep. Erica Lee Carter expressed her solidarity with the Iranian Resistance, continuing her late mother’s advocacy for Iranian women. She hoped to celebrate a free Iran soon. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, through a written message, emphasized persistent advocacy for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran and announced her role as co-chair of the Iranian Women’s Congressional Caucus.
Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad discussed geopolitical shifts weakening Iran’s regime, such as Assad’s downfall in Syria. She proposed actions for the U.S. and international community to support Iran’s democratic movement, including sanctions and isolating Tehran diplomatically. She praised Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for its vision of a secular, gender-equal, and non-nuclear Iran.
Dr. Majid Sadeghpour underscored the Iranian regime’s fragility and called for global support for the NCRI to lead Iran toward democracy. Niki Mohammadi and Parsa Arya from the Iranian-American community highlighted the significance of Assad’s collapse, Tehran’s vulnerabilities, and the resistance’s growing momentum. They urged action to dismantle the regime and commended the NCRI’s steadfast dedication.
Anna Sami stressed the NCRI’s clear plan for a democratic transition and urged international recognition of the resistance’s legitimacy. She highlighted practical measures like sanctions and dismantling the IRGC’s covert operations while celebrating the contributions of Iranian expatriates to rebuilding efforts.
