On March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), sent a message to the large rally of Iranians and supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Washington, D.C. Her message emphasized the importance of resistance and change in Iran, highlighting the role of women in leading this movement.

Maryam Rajavi’s Message to the Rally and Demonstration of Iranians and Supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Washington, D.C.

Maryam Rajavi emphasized that it is time for the Iranian people to rise up against the regime. She addressed fellow compatriots, rebellious friends, and supporters of the Iranian Resistance, greeting them and their rally, which proudly upholds the flag of Iran’s resistance and uprising. On International Women’s Day, she noted that their demonstration is intertwined with the struggle and resistance of thousands of passionate and determined women who have risen over the past four decades for the freedom of their homeland.

Maryam Rajavi highlighted key beliefs of the Iranian Resistance:

• Women are the force for change.
• Active and equal participation of women in political leadership is essential for freedom and democracy.
• The liberation of women is the prerequisite for the liberation of men.
• And the overthrow of the Velayat-e Faqih regime will be achieved through women’s leadership. She emphasized, “Yes, Women-Resistance-Freedom.”
• The Mullahs’ Nuclear Program: A Tool for Extorting the West

Maryam Rajavi pointed out that Khamenei’s repeated defeats, the crumbling of his regime, and its failure to solve the nation’s problems all convey one undeniable message: The time to rise is now. She noted that Khamenei is accelerating his nuclear bomb-making program to threaten and extort the international community. In contrast, the Iranian Resistance was the first to expose the regime’s secret nuclear sites and has consistently insisted that all nuclear sites and uranium enrichment facilities must be dismantled. Unfortunately, negotiations and appeasement have only brought the regime closer to acquiring a nuclear bomb.

Maryam Rajavi reaffirmed that the first urgent step is to strip the regime of its nuclear program completely, but emphasized that the ultimate solution lies in the regime’s overthrow by the Iranian people and their Resistance. She stressed the importance of supporting the Resistance Units and their leading women, who are at the forefront of change.

Resistance, the Inalienable Right of the Iranian People

Maryam Rajavi emphasized that change in Iran relies on the brave sons and daughters of the nation, along with the unwavering support of the people. She stated that they have never sought foreign intervention and that their strength is rooted in independence. This struggle stems from the Iranian people’s unquenchable thirst for freedom, for which over 100,000 martyrs have made the ultimate sacrifice.

She noted that the regime has blocked every avenue for dissent, resorting to violence and mass arrests. Against such a regime, Maryam Rajavi argued that an organized uprising and resistance by the Resistance Units is the most powerful response. She echoed the U.S. Declaration of Independence: “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.” This, she said, is the inalienable right of the Iranian people.

A recent resolution by over 150 U.S. lawmakers recognizing the right of the Iranian people to overthrow the regime was highlighted as significant bipartisan support. Maryam Rajavi emphasized that recognizing this struggle is essential for regional and global peace.

No Chance, No Coincidence—The Solution is Organized Resistance and Uprising

Maryam Rajavi dismissed the idea of reformists preaching non-violence, stating that the people rising in rebellion for freedom pay no heed to them. She criticized those supporting the previous dictatorship, noting that neo-fascist monarchists serve the interests of the clerical regime. As Massoud Rajavi said, these games oppose the people’s front and democratic republic, but with determination, the charade of monarchism will end.

Maryam Rajavi concluded by urging the Iranian people to rise up, emphasizing that neither chance nor coincidence will bring change. The regime will not collapse from within; only organized resistance and uprising can achieve freedom. Everything depends on the will and struggle of the Iranian people. She declared, “Now is the time to rise.”

She ended with a call for freedom: “Long live freedom, long live the people of Iran, salutations to all of you.”