Speech by NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi at the Free Iran World Summit 2023, Day 1
Iran Revolution: Fate is knocking on the door
The Free Iran World Summit was opened Saturday, July 1, at the headquarters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Auvers-sur-Oise, north of Paris.
Over 500 legislators, former presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and government officials from the US, Europe, and the Middle East attended the summit, and some addressed the event.
The keynote speaker was the NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi, who vowed to persist in the struggle until the clerical regime is overthrown and a democratic, free republic is established in Iran.
Excerpts of her remarks in this momentous gathering follow:
Fate is knocking on our door
Our country, movement, and Revolution have reached a pivotal moment. A seldom-seen opportunity in the history of nations is before us: either we allow the religious tyranny and the mullahs’ rule to persist, or we instigate a revolution, topple the mullahs, and establish a democratic republic with the separation of religion and state, thus liberating our people and nation.
Fate is knocking on our door; what will be our choice?
Indeed, the answer is a revolution, but it carries a hefty price tag. Our Resistance has shouldered the most burdensome weight in Iran’s history, persevered through the longest of durations, and navigated the most intricate situations. This brings us to the critical question of our time: will the era of devastation and darkness endure? Will the suffocating shroud of the night continue to envelop our homeland?
No, never! We see with increasing clarity the invigorating dawn of liberation on the horizon. The magnificent destination of freedom is drawing ever closer. Thus, as the heralds of this new dawn, all that remains is one more leap, one more step, one more final effort. Let us rise!
The era of religious fascism has drawn to a close
Politically and historically, just like the Shah’s dictatorship, the religious dictatorship is teetering on the brink of collapse. Just as you couldn’t keep Shah’s regime afloat, you cannot prop up the mullahs, not even with crutches, nor by suppressing the Iranian Resistance.
We firmly assert that regardless of whether the JCPOA is active or not, the era of religious fascism has drawn to a close, and the sun of its existence is setting on the horizon of its downfall.
Why is Khamenei terrified? Why does he implore governments worldwide to exert pressure on the Iranian Resistance?
Because he senses the impending footsteps of uprisings and the forces of the Democratic Revolution; because the determination of our people to establish a just society surpasses their fear of repression; new uprisings follow each wave of the crackdown, each stronger and more dynamic than the last.
Because brave women are leading this uprising, holding high the torch passed down from generations of resistant fighters who endured torture and execution in their struggle against Khomeini’s oppressive regime.
Did Khamenei and his oppressive forces hesitate in their relentless efforts to suppress the uprising? Absolutely not! Nevertheless, they have been unable to extinguish the uprisings stemming from the existing realities on the ground.
The prevailing spirit of the times
Let me share what emerges from the prevailing spirit of the times:
Appeasement towards the mullahs’ regime may lead to more bloodshed among our people and our resistance, it may lengthen the list of executions, and it may fill more prisons. Yet, it will be futile in protecting Khamenei from his inevitable downfall.
Restoring this stagnant regime to its former balance and quelling the ardor of the uprising is impossible.
I must reiterate. We neither desire nor have ever asked foreign governments to help our people and our resistance to topple the regime. Instead, we urge them to cease supporting the mullahs.
We encourage them to recognize how the American people and nations across Europe are expressing their unyielding solidarity with the Iranian uprising.
Take note of the resolution passed by the majority of elected representatives of the American people! Observe the declarations made by 3,600 parliamentarians in 61 legislative assemblies in 40 countries -including the majority of members of the parliaments in 29 countries – who reject both the fascism of the Shah and religious fascism, endorse the Ten-point Plan proposed by this Resistance, and support the Iranian people’s desire for a democratically elected republic and a non-nuclear Iran.
What crime has the Iranian Resistance committed?
Indeed, what crime has this Resistance committed? Its greatest offense is its unwavering commitment to not waste a single day or hour in its efforts to overthrow this regime. It ceaselessly works towards organizing resistance and fostering uprisings.
The Iranian Resistance is formed by steadfast members who have forgone the ease of conventional family life, rebelling against a self-focused, patriarchal culture that promotes an ‘I come first’ mentality. Their lives are pledged to the revolution and the quest for freedom.
The Resistance strongly asserts that Iranian women should have the right to make their own decisions freely and contribute actively and equally to societal leadership.
Their mantra stands clear: reject obligatory religion, mandatory veiling, and imposed government.
The Resistance champions the self-determination rights and autonomy of persecuted ethnic minorities, ranging from Kurdistan to Baluchistan and Turkmen to Arab compatriots, those who voice from across the country, “I am ready to lay down my life for Iran.”
The Resistance has taken form to eradicate rampant unemployment and poverty, afflictions burdening millions of Iranian workers. Indeed, our movement has risen to alleviate the homelessness experienced by one-third of the nation’s populace and the severe plight of the 80% living below the poverty line.
If these endeavors are considered criminal under the suppressive Sharia law of the mullahs, under the regime of despotism and dependence, then yes, we confess guilt and accept our actions with honor.
Yet, we will not permit any compromise on the autonomy of the Resistance and Iran’s sovereignty for all the world’s wealth. We refuse to abandon our core beliefs, values, battles, and ideals to pursue power.
We shall not endure the slightest hint of tyranny, exploitation, or authoritarian intent, be it from the dictatorships of the Shah or the mullahs. Furthermore, we do not depend on any foreign power to liberate Iran.
Yet, amid Iran’s desolation under Khomeini’s reign, there are those who kindle the night throughout the year. They traverse from one street to the next, from one city to another, focusing their efforts on centers of oppression, plunder, and demagoguery and igniting the fires of popular outrage. This nascent hope, this echoing demand for revolution and liberty, has now come to be known as the Resistance Units.
We will achieve Iran’s freedom through unending dedication
They question our people and us pondering how this bloodthirsty leviathan can be overthrown. Our response is clear: through unrelenting resistance, a struggle a hundredfold fiercer, the mobilization of Resistance Units, a revolt, and the Army of Freedom.
Yet, how do we approach this objective?
Through unending dedication and relentless struggle, never pausing, probing every possible path, kindling the fire within each human soul, cultivating emerging resistance, and awakening dormant consciences. We will resist with resolute determination, persevering in the battle until the shackles are broken until the path unveils itself, and until the walls come tumbling down.
Yes, we can, and we must.
Long live the Iranian people!
Long live freedom!
The democratic revolution of the Iranian people will prevail!
