Rome – July 17, 2026: Antonio Stango, Italian political scientist and human rights advocate, spoke at the international conference “Iran Beyond War, the Power of the People” in Rome, where he called for democracy, secularism, and the right of the Iranian people to determine their own future.

The Iranian people must decide

Stango stressed that Iran’s future should be determined solely by its people through the free expression of their democratic will.

“The people of Iran, when they have the possibility to freely express their will, will want a future of freedom, democracy in a republican Iran—a secular republic.”

He argued that the aspirations of the Iranian people point toward a political system based on democratic principles rather than authoritarian rule.

Rejecting monarchy as an alternative

In his remarks, Stango also dismissed calls for restoring monarchy, saying such a path is incompatible with Iran’s democratic future.

Referring to comments by the son of the late Shah, who expressed pride in his father’s rule and spoke of returning to power, Stango rejected that vision.

“We know that there is somebody who has been completely silent for decades and who recently spoke about returning to power. He even said that he is proud of what his father and his regime did.”

He said that this is not the future the Iranian people want.

“I’m sure this is not the future for Iran.”

A democratic republic for Iran

Stango said the conference reflected a shared vision for Iran: a democratic republic that upholds human rights, rejects violence, and promotes peace.

“We all share a vision for a free democratic republic of Iran without the death penalty, without the export of war and terrorism, in peace, without nuclear weapons.”

His remarks aligned with many of the conference’s themes, including the abolition of capital punishment, the separation of religion and state, peaceful relations with the international community, and the creation of democratic institutions.

Tribute to the Iranian Resistance

At the end of the event, Stango thanked Maryam Rajavi for her leadership and praised the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) for its role in promoting democratic change.

“Thank you, Maryam Rajavi, for your leadership.”

He concluded by expressing solidarity with the Iranian Resistance and with people inside Iran who continue to struggle for freedom despite ongoing repression.

“Long live the Iranian Resistance and the people who are struggling for freedom.”