Will Trump support a democratic change in Iran?

Iranians here in America and around the world demand support for the NCRI and a democratic change in a non-nuclear Iran. Foto: private

(KL) – In a significant joint letter addressed to President Trump, a coalition of 100 prominent Iranian-Americans called for a regime change led by the Iranian people. This influential group, composed of deans, professors, CEOs, and other notable figures, emphasizes the need for a secular, democratic republic, rejecting both the Pahlavi monarchy and the current theocracy.

“The Iranian people categorically reject all forms of dictatorship,” the letter reads, underscoring the importance of a movement that not only opposes the theocratic regime, but also distances itself from the Pahlavi dynasty. This resistance is rooted in the NCRI (National Council of Resistance in Iran), which, under the leadership of Maryam Rajavi, has articulated a comprehensive vision for Iran’s future through her ten-point plan. This plan advocates for free elections, gender equality, and a non-nuclear Iran – principles deeply rooted in the aspirations of the Iranian population. This ten-point-plan is widely supported by high level European politicians and the NCRI is the only opposition body which has submitted realistic plans for a non-violent transition towards democracy in Iran.

The statement also addresses the controversial figure of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the ousted Shah. It criticizes his attempts to undermine the democratic opposition, noting that he lacks legitimacy among the Iranian people. “During the 2022 uprising, he played a divisive role and has since shamelessly declared himself ‘the leader’ – an absurd claim from the son of a dictator with scant support,” the signatories assert. They warn that his promotion serves the interests of the clerical regime rather than the Iranian people.

Furthermore, the statement reveals Pahlavi’s troubling reliance on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a 2018 interview, he acknowledged his communications with the IRGC, stating that they must play a role in Iran’s future security. “This proposition is categorically rejected by the Iranian people,” the statement emphasizes, highlighting the danger of co-opting the regime’s repressive apparatus.

The call for “maximum support” from Pahlavi is seen as a plea for financial backing from the U.S. and other countries, raising concerns about accountability and evoking memories of his family’s history of corruption. The signatories urge U.S. policymakers to support the Iranian people’s organized resistance and their democratic aspirations, emphasizing that any collaboration with the theocracy only prolongs its rule.

Professor Kazem Kazerounian, a lead sponsor of the initiative, highlights the urgency of this moment, stating, “While the malign activities of the Iranian regime are becoming more imperative by the day, the regime has never been weaker. The prospects for a regime change by the Iranian people have never been brighter.” This sentiment reflects a growing belief among Iranian Americans that the regime’s internal and external crises have created a unique opportunity for transformation.

The letter advocates for a robust U.S. policy that includes cutting off the regime’s financial resources and implementing all UN Security Council resolutions to hold the Iranian government accountable for its threats to global peace. “We must recognize the Iranian people’s Resistance for regime change,” Yazdani states, calling for support for the Resistance Units fighting against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

As President Trump has recently threatened the mollah regime concerning the Iranian nuclear program, the big question is now if Trump will actually support a path towards democracy in Iran or if he will only seek another “deal”. The NCRI, which already benefits from the support of European politics, needs also the support of the new U.S. administration which has the power to make the mollahs move. However, tensions between the USA and Iran are growing, both sides threaten with the use of military means and a war-like evolution of the situation would not help the struggle for democracy of the Iranian people. The western world must cut all financial aid and commercial exchange with Iran and promote NCRI’s ten-point-plan which is the only reasonable and peaceful way to a change in Iran. Considering that NCRI promotes a nuclear-free and democratic Iran, the country could plan a paramount important role in the entire region, stop terrorist activities by groups funded by the mollah regime and become a reliable partner to the rest of the world. Now, it’s up to President Trump to take the next steps and one can only hope that his action will have a more positive impact on the situation than in other conflicts and wars. Iran deserves to be liberated from the brutal theocracy of the mollahs and U.S. support for NCRI would be more than important.