US Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), senior United States senator from New Hampshire, addressed at the Free Iran World Summit 2021 on July 10, 2021.

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, like most members of Congress, I’ve been following the developments in Iran closely and with alarm. Human rights abuses have become common with an Iranian government that lacks legitimacy, and whose hold on power is dependent upon the oppression of its people.

The election process is distorted in favor of the regime’s candidate and at the expense of the Iranian people. Further, Iran continues to support and perpetuate violence in its own country and across the region. Despite this, the Iranian people continue to push for a democratic, secular and peaceful Iran. For this, I commend every Iranian and Iranian-American who fights for a better future.

Standing up for a free and democratic Iran is not your burden alone. The United States and the international community stand in support of your efforts. Human rights have long been a pillar of US foreign policy. As we continue to engage Iran, human rights must be a principal part of the US approach.

Congress and the Biden administration have made it clear to Iran and our allies that the United States supports those in Iran who are fighting for the rights and freedoms of all Iranians.