On February 27, 2025, a UK parliamentary session focused on the critical role of Iranian women in the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy. Speakers highlighted the bravery of women at the forefront of the fight against the oppressive clerical regime, emphasizing the pivotal role of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its leader, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi.
As the Iranian people demand the end of religious tyranny, the session underscored the importance of international support for Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a blueprint for a democratic and free Iran. The session called for urgent action, emphasizing that the future of Iran, and the region, rests in the hands of the Iranian people, particularly the women who are driving this revolutionary movement.
Iranian Women: Pioneers in the Struggle for Freedom
Baroness O’Loan, a member of the UK House of Lords and chair of the session, stated, “A thousand women from Ashraf 3 and Iranian women are at the forefront of the struggle for freedom against a regime that seeks to silence them through misogynistic laws, oppression, violence, torture, and execution. This fight is not just about compulsory hijab; it is for freedom, democracy, and the eradication of religious tyranny.”
Supporting the Brave Women of Iran
Bob Blackman, a member of the UK House of Commons and co-chair of the International Committee of Parliamentarians for a Democratic Iran, said, “I stand with the brave women of Iran who risk their lives almost daily to protest against the regime. Today, the demand of the Iranian people for a free and democratic Iran is more critical than ever.”
Iranian Regime Trapped by Internal and External Crises
Julie Jones, Director of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Law and Religious Freedom, remarked, “The Iranian regime continues to execute hundreds of people annually, torture thousands more, and violate the rights of the Iranian people daily. It also has a destructive impact beyond its borders. The regime is surrounded by internal and external crises, and now is the time for action. Resistance units inside Iran are courageously fighting for freedom and democracy.”
The Regime’s Fear of Popular Uprisings
Struan Stevenson, former Member of the European Parliament, stated, “The fundamentalist leader of the Iranian regime fears the next uprising because it will sound the death knell for the regime. The NCRI has repeatedly assured the West that there is no need for military intervention; all they seek is moral support for their right to overthrow this tyrannical regime.”
The Need for a Firm Policy Against the Iranian Regime
Baroness Verma, a member of the UK House of Lords and former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (2016), said, “Dialogue with the Iranian regime is futile. We must have the courage to say enough is enough. Real change is only possible through the regime’s overthrow.”
Dealing with the IRGC and Halting the Regime’s Nuclear Program
Robert Ward, a member of the Croydon Regional Council, emphasized, “There is no such thing as a ‘moderate cleric.’ The IRGC must be designated as a terrorist organization, and the Iranian regime’s nuclear program must be stopped. Let us hope and strive for 2025 to be the year of Iran’s liberation.”
Ongoing Repression and Executions in Iran: A Call for Global Action
Lord Kirkhope, a member of the UK House of Lords, former Minister of State for the Home Office (1995-1997), and Treasury Commissioner (2002-2003), asserted, “Mass executions and the oppression of women in Iran are unacceptable. We must not ignore human rights issues in Iran. You have my full support in bringing about change.”
Ending Executions and Prosecuting the Perpetrators of the 1988 Massacre
Professor Sara Chandler, Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Bar Council of England and Wales, highlighted, “We are still waiting for the international community to prosecute those responsible for the 1988 massacre. The global community must support the campaign to end executions. We are inspired by the courage of Iranian women and girls fighting under the slogan ‘Women, Resistance, Freedom.’”
The Role of the NCRI in Iran’s Future
Baroness Redfern, a member of the UK House of Lords, stated, “The future of the Middle East and global peace depends on your continued struggle against the ruling religious dictatorship in Iran—a regime that clings to power through oppression, state terrorism, regional warmongering, and efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.
“The goal of the NCRI is not to seize power but to return it to the Iranian people. Women are the backbone of this resistance, organizing and leading protests.”
International Support for the Opposition and the Ten-Point Plan
Lord Dholakia, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, remarked, “Tehran has attacked our embassy, taken our citizens hostage, and used them as bargaining chips in its diplomacy. This regime has launched cyberattacks against Parliament and its members. We must take decisive action against the Iranian regime.
“We must also remember that the [Shah’s regime] in Iran was always associated with fascism and dictatorship. The only force that has never ignored the lessons of history is the NCRI. Our government must support Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan.”
Hope for a Free and Democratic Future for Iran
Martin Vickers, a member of the UK House of Commons, stated, “The number of executions suffered by your people in recent years is truly horrifying. We hope that in our next meeting, we will witness a free and democratic Iran and be able to gather in Tehran.”
Iran 2025: Democracy, Secularism, and a Republic
Azadeh Zabeti, Chair of the Iranian Lawyers’ Committee in the UK, said, “Proposing [the Shah’s son] as an alternative is merely a way to delay the Iranian people’s struggle for real change. Iran will be a democratic, secular, and republican country. The year 2025 will be the year of Iran’s freedom.”
The speakers at this session emphasized that regime change in Iran is the only path to freedom and democracy. International support for the Iranian people and their resistance is the key to achieving this goal. The main message of this conference is that Iran’s future is in the hands of its people.
