On June 29, 2024, at the Free Iran 2024 World Summit hosted at the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) headquarters in Paris, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D) and Thom Tillis (R) delivered a bipartisan message of support for the Iranian Resistance.
The full text of Senators Shaheen and Tillis’s speech follows:
I’m Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and I’m delighted to join the tens of thousands of people who are participating in this conference around the world.
And I’m Senator Thom Tillis. This gathering comes at an important time as Iran, the region, and the world are at a crossroads.
Senator Shaheen: The events of the last eight months demonstrate an Iranian regime that is on the back foot as it tries to oppress its people while spreading its malign influence across the region. And it’s never been clearer that the regime in Iran does not represent the will of the Iranian people.
Senator Tillis: As the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime has directly supported the horrific attack on Israel on October 7, countless Houthi-backed attacks in the Red Sea, and increased provocations by Hezbollah in northern Israel.
Senator Shaheen: It’s not interested in peace or a better future. It’s only after self-preservation. But no one knows better what is needed to stand up to despotism than the people of Iran. For decades, you have fought against Tehran’s tyranny, and you have fought to ensure that the future of Iran lies with its people, not a dictatorship.
Senator Tillis: The United States stands with you in your fight for freedom and democracy. That’s why Senator Shaheen and I have recently introduced Senate Resolution 599, calling on the protection of the Iranian political refugees in Ashraf 3, in rejection of the Iranian regime’s demands, and stating that they must be afforded their fundamental rights of freedom of expression and of assembly and legal political activities in Albania.
Senator Shaheen: We join those in Ashraf and Iranians around the world in standing up for these human rights and pushing back against the tide of authoritarianism.
Senator Tillis: Our shared values unite us and drive us.
Senator Shaheen: Senator Tillis and I come from different sides of the political spectrum, but we are united in defense of democracy at home and overseas. It’s why we partner on a number of key legislative priorities in the Senate, from supporting Ukraine to countering China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. And today, we are proud to stand together to demonstrate that the people of Iran have bipartisan support in Congress for a freer, more democratic future.
Senator Tillis: It’s a future that’s being forged today in Berlin.
Senator Shaheen: Maryam Rajavi, thank you for your continued leadership. And to those gathered in person and those joining from around the world, thank you for your continued dedication to and belief in democracy and freedom.
Senator Tillis: Senator Shaheen and I will continue to work with all of you as we strive for universal freedoms and human rights for all. Thank you.
