January 16, 2025 – U.S. and European policymakers convened virtually for a critical conference, “Iran: Time for Change, Policy Options.” Discussions centered on the Iranian regime’s increasing vulnerabilities, the international community’s responsibility, and the democratic alternative championed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Participants underscored the urgent need for a coordinated strategy to counter Tehran’s oppression and support the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom.
The Regime’s Declining Power
Antonio Stango, President of the Italian Federation for Human Rights, opened the session by highlighting the Iranian regime’s regional and domestic decline. “The regime is losing its grip as its proxies collapse and its people demand change,” he stated. Stango dismissed the notion of internal reform, declaring, “There is no real divide between reformists and hardliners—they all uphold the regime’s oppressive system.”
.@AntonioStango, President of the #Italian Federation for Human Rights: The Iranian regime has been weakened in the region.#Iran #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative https://t.co/gZqGmb0E8N
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) January 16, 2025
NCRI: A Prepared Democratic Alternative
Former U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli emphasized the NCRI’s readiness to lead Iran post-regime. “This is no longer a fringe movement; it is an internationally backed government-in-waiting,” Torricelli said, pointing to its 10-point plan advocating free elections, gender equality, the abolition of the death penalty, and a non-nuclear Iran.
Senator Torricelli: Those who think that there's not an alternative are searching for an excuse not to have the despotic regime fall in Tehran. We have a very real alternative in #MEK & @Maryam_Rajavi & this broad coalition.#FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative https://t.co/DaC0pGVPsL
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) January 16, 2025
Struan Stevenson, former Member of the European Parliament, echoed this, highlighting the NCRI’s vast international coalition. “With over 3,000 global supporters, including Nobel laureates, the NCRI is a credible force for change,” he stated.
.@STRUANSTEVENSON: They have a 10 point plan now, which I would be happy to stand for election to implement such a platform.#FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative #FreeIran10PointPlan https://t.co/dorAQxLOcy
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) January 16, 2025
Grassroots Resistance and the MEK
The role of the MEK Resistance Units in fostering opposition within Iran was praised. “The MEK operates on the ground, sparking grassroots movements,” Torricelli noted. “This is the people’s revolution, and they are leading it.”
Regime’s Tactics to Discredit the Resistance
Panelists criticized Tehran’s efforts to undermine the NCRI by elevating figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah. “This is a regime tactic to distract from the NCRI’s legitimacy,” said Stevenson, noting that Iranians reject both monarchy and clerical rule.
A Shift in U.S. Policy
Speakers pointed to a pivot in U.S. policy, with incoming officials signaling a return to maximum pressure on Tehran. “The window for dialogue is closed,” Torricelli declared. “The new administration is committed to rallying international pressure against the regime.”
A Vision for a Democratic Iran
The conference concluded with a call to action for global support. Stevenson urged governments to blacklist the IRGC, close Iranian embassies used for subversive activities, and back the NCRI’s resistance. “The regime’s fall is inevitable, and the NCRI is prepared to lead Iran toward a free and democratic future,” he said.
The panel’s resounding message: the Iranian regime stands at its weakest point, and the international community must unite with the Iranian people to realize a just and democratic Iran.
