Congressional Briefing Highlights Support for Iran’s Democratic Future
On March 26, 2026, the Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC) held a congressional briefing focused on Iran’s democratic transition and the announcement of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Provisional Government.
Lawmakers from both parties, alongside NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi, emphasized that Iran’s future must be determined by its people.
Participants expressed strong support for House Resolution 166 and the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan, calling for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic. Speakers underscored the importance of free elections, self-determination, and backing the Iranian people.
Several members of Congress endorsed “organized resistance” and reiterated a policy of “no war, no appeasement,” while clearly rejecting any return to monarchy and stressing that the path forward lies in “the ballot box.”
Opening Remarks: Nowruz and a Difficult Year for Iranians
Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad opened the event by noting that the gathering coincided with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, while acknowledging the hardships faced by Iranians.
He referred to “a difficult year for the Iranian people,” citing “the massacres that were committed by the regime in the streets” and “the war and the destruction that the Iranian people are facing.”
Sepehrrad explained that the goal of the briefing was “to discuss where Iran is heading” and “define a roadmap that would deliver democracy, freedom, and a non-nuclear secular Republic of Iran.”
Maryam Rajavi: Provisional Government and Change from Within
In a message to the briefing, Maryam Rajavi stated:
“The solution to the crisis in Iran is the overthrow of the regime, which can only be achieved by the Iranian people themselves through their organized resistance.”
She added:
“The answer lies with the Iranian people and youth: The Resistance Units and the Liberation Army,”
and described this movement as grounded in “the experience and commitment” of the PMOI/MEK, which she said “has fought against this regime for 47 years.”
Rajavi emphasized that the NCRI rejects both “the former monarchical dictatorship and the current religious tyranny,” adding:
“The slogan of the Iranian Resistance and the provisional government is peace and freedom.”
She also stressed that the movement does not seek “boots on the ground, money or weapons from foreign countries,” while calling for recognition of the NCRI’s Provisional Government, improved internet access, and “the expulsion of agents of the regime from U.S. soil.”
Briefing at the US Congress about democratic transition in Iran and the announcement of a Provisional Government-
«The slogan of the Iranian Resistance and the provisional government is peace and freedom.»#FreeIran10PointPlanhttps://t.co/qUqqfENxfw pic.twitter.com/Se7FD4wPbb— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 26, 2026
US Lawmakers Call for Pressure and Democratic Change
Rep. Brad Sherman: ‘We Have Never Been Closer’
Brad Sherman said:
“We have never been closer,”
arguing that “this regime cannot be reformed, and it needs to be replaced.”
He highlighted that House Resolution 166 supports “a democratic secular non-nuclear Republic of Iran” and called for increased pressure on Tehran.
Sherman added:
“Our number one tool is the truth… we have to use the internet… and we need to be broadcasting in Farsi.”
He also urged stronger international coordination, including sanctions and efforts to ensure allies “finally sanction the IRGC.”
You cannot make a deal with an evil, murderous regime. Hear it from @BradSherman 🔽 pic.twitter.com/58L3MNSy4R
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. Tom McClintock: ‘The Hour of Iran’s Redemption Has Arrived’
Tom McClintock declared:
“The hour of Iran’s redemption has arrived,”
arguing that resistance groups are ready to confront the regime.
He called for “the full moral and material support of the United States” and praised the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as:
“a credible democratic pathway for Iran’s future, upholding human rights, pluralism, and the rule of law.”
McClintock added:
“This already crippled and withered regime must be ripped out by its roots,”
while noting that ultimately “it will be up to the people of Iran to decide their future democratically.”
Thank you, @RepMcClintock and you are absolutely correct.
The 10-point plan and provisional government presented by @Maryam_Rajavi and the National Council of Resistance of Iran is the roadmap to real prosperity inside Iran. pic.twitter.com/foRprHeydp
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. Randy Weber: Backing the Ten-Point Plan
Randy Weber emphasized key elements of the plan, including:
- “rejection of the absolute clerical rule”
- “freedom of speech”
- “freedom of political parties”
- “freedom of assembly”
- “freedom of the press and the internet”
- and dissolution of the IRGC
He stated:
“We’re behind this movement. We’re behind the Ten-Point Plan,”
adding:
“This is not anti-America… These are people crying out for their God-given freedoms.”
Weber concluded:
“The Iranian regime has been in business too long… it is time that they go.”
Thank you, @TXRandy14, for highlighting the bravery and resolve the Iranian people show as they stand up to this tyrannical regime and demand freedom. pic.twitter.com/CJXUOByRyK
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. Deborah Ross: ‘Much More Work to Be Done’
Deborah Ross said she was:
“a proud original co-sponsor of House Resolution 166,”
which she described as a roadmap for “a free, secular, and democratic Iran” based on human rights, gender equality, and separation of religion and state.
She noted bipartisan support but added:
“There’s so much more work to be done getting rid of the regime.”
Ross stressed that Iranians are “courageously leading a democratic movement themselves.”
Thank you @DeborahRossNC. You are right: the world should FULLY support the Iranian people in this fight for freedom.
Real democratic regime change comes from the people, not foreign intervention! pic.twitter.com/yxOEKZHUGI
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rejecting War and Monarchy
Rep. Val Hoyle: ‘Let the Iranian People Choose’
Val Hoyle strongly rejected both war and monarchy:
“I support the Iranian people’s right to self-determination.”
She warned that past U.S. interventions “did not work out well for the Iranian people” and added:
“I do not think that America bombing Iran is the way to bring about change.”
Hoyle emphasized that legitimacy can only come from “a government by and for the Iranian people,” rejecting “a hand-picked monarch.”
Strong leadership from Congresswoman Val Hoyle 🇺🇸
Standing with the Iranian people’s right to self-determination, rejecting both war and dictatorship, and supporting H.Res.166 & Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for a democratic, secular Iran.
The path forward is clear: empower the… pic.twitter.com/tzjbxdxJ3M
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. Glenn Grothman: Focus on Systemic Change
Glenn Grothman argued that real change must go beyond leadership:
“As long as they have a government that says we are going to build nuclear bombs… Iran will remain repressive and dangerous.”
He called for a future Iran with “Western style freedoms,” including freedom of speech and religion, and stressed:
“We have to make sure there’s always internet for people.”
Grothman warned against a scenario where protesters suffer without meaningful change.
Support for Iranian People and Organized Resistance
Rep. Tim Burchett: ‘No War, No Appeasement’
Tim Burchett said:
“The people of Iran deserve freedom,”
endorsing Rajavi’s roadmap as a path toward a republic based on free elections.
He reiterated:
“No war and no appeasement,”
and emphasized support for “the rights of the people and organized resistance.”
Thank you Rep. @timburchett for supporting @Maryam_Rajavi’s 10-point plan, which gives the power back to the people to choose who represents them.
This plan and the provisional government laid out by the NCRI and President Elect Maryam Rajavi is THE path to democracy in Iran. pic.twitter.com/CBeuCFBunH
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. Rob Menendez: ‘The Future Will Be Decided by Iranians’
Rob Menendez stated:
“The future of Iran will be determined by the Iranian people.”
He highlighted their right to “a free Iran” and said:
“That future seems near,”
adding that he looks forward to what lies ahead for both Iran and Iranian Americans.
He concluded:
“You will have my support and partnership.”
Thank you @RepMenendez for supporting the Iranian people and the resistance units in their fight for freedom and democracy. pic.twitter.com/nyAC7qVfOv
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. Christian Menifee: Support Without Harm
Christian Menifee linked his remarks to the late Sheila Jackson Lee, noting her emphasis on supporting democratic movements.
He said this includes backing “organic movements” and working to stop repression, while also:
“opposing any efforts that would harm civilians in Iran.”
Menifee stressed that U.S. policy should support people on the ground rather than impose change from abroad.
Thank you @RepCDMenefee for supporting the Iranian people in their fight for freedom, continuing all the hard work that the late @JacksonLeeTX18 gave to the resistance.
We appreciate your support! pic.twitter.com/O8adotaAPd
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 26, 2026
Rep. John Moolenaar: ‘Iran Has Tremendous Potential’
John Moolenaar described it as “a challenging time” for Iranians but expressed hope:
“My hope is that the people of Iran will experience the freedoms that we enjoy.”
He noted that Iran’s potential has been “discouraged these last 47 years” and welcomed continued discussion of future visions, emphasizing the importance of collective thinking about Iran’s future.
