{"id":80635,"date":"2025-11-17T08:09:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T07:09:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/?p=80635"},"modified":"2025-11-17T09:52:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T08:52:26","slug":"scholars-panel-maps-irans-path-to-democratic-change-at-free-iran-convention-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/free-iran-2025\/2025\/11\/scholars-panel-maps-irans-path-to-democratic-change-at-free-iran-convention-2025\/80635\/","title":{"rendered":"Scholars Panel Maps Iran\u2019s Path to Democratic Change at Free Iran Convention 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Free Iran Convention 2025 \u2013 Panel 1 \u2013 Nov 15, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Free Iran Convention 2025 Opens in Washington, Charts Path Toward Democratic Iran<\/strong><\/h2>\n

WASHINGTON, DC \u2014<\/strong> The Free Iran Convention 2025<\/a> opened on Saturday, November 15, bringing together Iranian scholars, professionals, activists, and community leaders for an all-day program in the U.S. capital. The gathering centered on four thematic panels, special segments amplifying voices from inside Iran, and in-depth discussions on building a democratic future for the country.<\/p>\n

Opening Remarks: A Crucial Moment for Democratic Change<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Soona Samsami<\/strong><\/a>, the U.S. Representative<\/a> of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI<\/a>), welcomed attendees and described the convention as an \u201cextraordinary gathering\u201d of experts and youth committed to establishing a free and democratic republic in Iran. She emphasized that the regime is at its weakest point in decades and that the broad, experienced Iranian community represented in the hall is united around the goal of ending \u201creligious tyranny.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samsami highlighted the NCRI<\/a> as the only credible democratic alternative to Iran\u2019s ruling theocracy, rejecting both clerical rule and monarchy. She underscored Maryam Rajavi<\/a>\u2019s Ten-Point Plan<\/a> as a practical blueprint for a future Iran built on democratic governance, gender equality, human rights, and a non-nuclear framework. She also referenced the NCRI\u2019s extensive record in exposing Tehran\u2019s secret nuclear sites, documenting human-rights abuses, and confronting the regime\u2019s terrorism.<\/p>\n