Conference at the European Parliament: Building a Genuine, Modern Democracy
On June 18, 2025, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg at a major conference titled “Building a Genuine, Modern Democracy.” Her keynote speech marked a defining moment in global support for the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and democratic transformation.
Several prominent Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including Javier Zarzalejos, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Petras Auštrevičius, and Pekka Toveri, as well as former heads of government like Guy Verhofstadt (former Prime Minister of Belgium) and Enda Kenny (former Prime Minister of Ireland), participated in the event. Their messages underlined the growing urgency of Iran’s political crisis and the path forward envisioned by the NCRI.
On June 18th, an important conference was held at the European Parliament, where @Maryam_Rajavi once again spoke of the #IranThirdOption, urging the international community to support the Iranian people and their organized resistance’s right to overthrow the regime. Our reporter… pic.twitter.com/0jYKc7KqXC
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 20, 2025
In her address, Mrs. Rajavi declared,
“The crisis of overthrow has now engulfed the entire clerical dictatorship.”
She described the moment as
“the beginning of a critical new chapter—both in Iran’s internal crisis and in the broader dynamics of the region.”
Yet, she emphasized that at the heart of it all is the Iranian people’s 44-year-long resistance against religious tyranny, beginning on June 20, 1981.
For decades, Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI have advanced what she calls the “Third Option”: regime change from within, led by the Iranian people, while rejecting both foreign military intervention and appeasement. Recalling her 2004 speech to the European Parliament, she warned that:
“The policy of appeasement encourages the clerical regime to persist in its policies and, ultimately, imposes war upon Western nations.”
She set the record straight:
“From the outset, our Resistance made it clear: a viper never gives birth to a dove, and a religious dictatorship is inherently incapable of reform.”
Instead of material aid, she appealed to the MEPs:
“We do not seek money, nor do we ask for weapons. What we have always wanted is to resist—just as Europeans once did—against theocratic tyranny. We only ask that this Resistance be recognized. Nothing more.”
She criticized the global community for denying Iranians and their Resistance this most fundamental right.
Her message was echoed and amplified by European voices across the political spectrum.
MEP Javier Zarzalejos, who chaired the session, warned:
“The regime in Tehran has managed for years to deceive those who viewed it as a potential partner for stability in the Middle East. It has always been the temptation to exchange democracy and freedom for stability.”
He concluded:
“In the end, you get no stability and you get no democracy. Today, we must face reality. The time for illusions is over.”
MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White affirmed the NCRI’s democratic ethos:
“Madam Rajavi, you noted the council will dissolve once Iran’s elected assembly is formed. Few organizations make such a promise. That gives reassurance.”
MEP Petras Auštrevičius pointed to the NCRI’s political effectiveness:
“Madam Rajavi’s 10-point plan proves you shape Iran’s events, not just follow them. This upheaval could lead to regime change and a democratic future.”
MEP Pekka Toveri underscored Europe’s role:
“Iranians lead their future, but the EU has means and must find the will to act. A democratic Iran ensures our safety.”
In a post-conference interview, he added:
“There was very strong support from EU Parliament members to continue support to Iran. This is probably the beginning of the end, and we have a good chance to create a free, democratic Iran.”
Simay Azadi's interview with MEP @PToveri. "We had the great honor to host Mrs. Rajavi. This was indeed a timely event. There was a strong support by the MEP… We have a great chance to have freedom in Iran." #FreeIran2025 #IranThirdOption pic.twitter.com/682n0GCqGY
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 22, 2025
Former Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny highlighted Rajavi’s insistence on Iranian agency:
“Madam Rajavi, you want Iran’s people to overthrow the regime, not foreign entities. This Parliament must offer coherence and understanding.”
In subsequent remarks, he reinforced this point:
“Let the people decide what the future of Iran is and the future for their children. The solution for the problem in Iran lies with the Iranian people.”
Insightful remarks by @EndaKennyTD: I am happy that Mrs. Rajavi wants to overthrow the regime with the help of the Iranian people. #FreeIran2025#Iran pic.twitter.com/lDaQyFsbS1
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 26, 2025
Guy Verhofstadt, former Belgian PM and MEP, linked Iran’s democratic future with global security:
“A democratic Iran prevents a nuclear threat. We must recognize the NCRI as the Iranian people’s true representative.”
He urged strategic rethinking:
“A strategic shift is needed! It’s time for the EU to engage with the Iranian people, not the Mullahs. Western leaders can do a lot now—and that is to recognize the democratic Iranian opposition as the legal representative of the Iranian people.”
🚨 Must-watch @guyverhofstadt: A strategic shift is needed! It's time for the EU to engage with the Iranian people, not the Mullahs. #BlacklistIRGC pic.twitter.com/axKVLMBUht
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 25, 2025
MEP Kris Van Dijck described the moment as pivotal:
“I was pleased to meet Mrs. Rajavi in the European Parliament. We are at the crucial moment to change the situation in Iran. It is up to the Iranian people to make this change.”
Check out #en_simayazadi interview with @KrisVanDijck1: I was pleased to meet Mrs. Rajavi in the European Parliament. We are at the crucial moment to change situation in Iran. It is up to the Iranian people to make this change." pic.twitter.com/Y6IsdaCf7l
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 22, 2025
MEP Leoluca Orlando drew attention to what he called the regime’s “dark alliances,” emphasizing the need to expose and dismantle the networks that have enabled Tehran’s repression and corruption.
MEP Nicolas Fest emphasized that:
“Maryam Rajavi presented her 10-point plan for a democratic Iran. She has received broad support from all political parties in the European Parliament.”
Check out #en_simayazadi with @MEPNicolas: Maryam Rajavi presented her 10-points plan for a democratic Iran. She has received a broad support of all political parties in the European Parliament. #IranThirdOption #FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/LgzNp0KY9Z
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 20, 2025
MEP Ingeborg Ter Laak discussed the urgency of defining a viable path for Iran and expressed support for the Third Option proposed by Mrs. Rajavi.
See #en_simayazadi's interview with @ingeborgterlaak about the current situation in Iran, and what is the option? #IranThirdOption #FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/pyXlyUcjYp
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 20, 2025
MEP Arvydas Mularczyk of Poland connected Iran’s struggle with broader European democratic values:
“For us, the fight for independence and democratic values are very important, because we fought for freedom in Poland. Now we are with the Iranian people to have a free country.”
Our exclusive interview with MEP @arekmularczyk: For us, the fight for independence and democratic values are very important, because we fought for freedom in Poland. Now we are with the Iranian people to have a free country. #IranThirdOption #FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/voNYVGBOBw
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 20, 2025
MEP Isabel Benjumea also voiced firm backing for the NCRI’s vision:
“In this moment, it is very important to support Maryam Rajavi. We want what she represents for Iran: freedom and democracy.”
Our Exclusive interview with @IsabelBenjumea, asking her view on #IranThirdOption. She said: In this moment is very important to support @Maryam_Rajavi We want what she represents for Iran: freedom and democracy. #FreeIran2025 pic.twitter.com/KokZvMz0Iv
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) June 19, 2025
The message of the conference was powerful: the future of Iran lies not in compromise or foreign intervention but in the will of its own people. Maryam Rajavi’s unwavering vision—resonating across political lines in Europe—offers a roadmap toward a democratic future, and her movement’s growing support within the European Parliament reflects an emerging consensus that the time for neutrality is over.
