A roadmap for peace in the Middle East
Whether supporting militias in Syria and Iraq, arming the Houthis in Yemen, funding Hamas or providing logistical support to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Tehran's foreign policy is based on expanding its regional influence through coercive and violent means.
At the same time, within its own borders, the regime continues to systematically violate human rights, suppress democracy and impose extreme repressive measures on its own population.
In the face of this situation, the Iranian resistance movement presents itself as a democratic alternative and a hope for a better future, not only in Iran, but in the region as a whole. This movement is not only fighting for freedom and equality in Iran: it also proposes a model for ending dictatorship, religious extremism and violence in the Middle East. The international community now has the opportunity and the responsibility to better understand and actively support this movement.
The Iranian regime's destabilising role in the Middle East
Despite ceasefire agreements and diplomatic initiatives in the region, proxy forces of the Iranian regime continue to act aggressively. For example, Iranian-backed militias regularly attack Israeli and US targets, even after the truce agreement in Lebanon.
Iran also persists in its interference in Syria. Recently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran would be willing to send reinforcements to Syria if Damascus requests them.
On a broader level, there is consensus among international experts that the road to lasting peace in the Middle East lies through the creation of two independent states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace. However, since the Oslo Accords, the Iranian regime has been the first to violently oppose this goal by supporting acts of terrorism. For example, the assassination of Rafik Hariri in Lebanon and Iranian interference through Hezbollah have profoundly destabilised Lebanon.
Historically, the Iranian regime's strategy resembles imperialist expansionism, which aims to maintain its power by exporting violence beyond its borders. Based on archaic religious dogmas, this regime is in total contradiction with 21st century values. To maintain power, it relies on a two-pronged strategy: brutal repression within its borders and the creation of crises outside its borders.
Since its inception, this regime has perpetrated acts such as the hostage-taking at the US Embassy in 1979, and continues today to use terrorism and kidnappings as instruments of political pressure. Internally, extreme practices such as amputations, forced blindings and the systematic execution of prisoners are shocking examples of its use of medieval methods.
As long as this regime remains in place, peace and coexistence in the Middle East will remain an illusion. Likewise, notions of democracy and freedom in Iran will have no chance of emerging under its rule.
A practical roadmap to peace
Faced with such an oppressive regime, the natural response of the Iranian people has been to organise themselves into widespread resistance. As the first victims of this regime, members of the Iranian Resistance embody a credible alternative, based on the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy.
The Iranian Resistance not only fights for freedom in Iran, but proposes a model for ending decades of dictatorship, war and violence in a region marked by authoritarianism and appeasement policies.
Here are the key elements of the roadmap proposed by the Iranian Resistance:
1. Expansion of the resistance units:
Resistance units, consisting of small groups of three or more members, were created in 2015 to coordinate actions against the regime. Thousands of such units now operate across Iran, rooted in their local communities. This social connection allows them to operate securely while increasing their capacity to expand.
Their main mission is to counter the regime's repression by maintaining a climate of mistrust and preventing society from sinking into fear. These units currently carry out an average of 20 anti-repressive actions per day, which demonstrates their effectiveness.
These groups also play a crucial role in transforming social protests into genuine national uprisings. During the 2019 uprising, for example, these units formed the backbone of the protests, forcing the regime to resort to a bloody crackdown that left more than 1,500 dead.
Contrary to the regime's propaganda that a fall from power would lead to civil war or the fragmentation of Iran, the presence and organisation of resistance units ensures the ability to maintain the country's territorial integrity while neutralising repressive forces such as the Revolutionary Guard.
2. The central role of women in the Resistance:
Maryam Akbari Monfared, imprisoned for over 15 years, is a symbol of Iranian women's resistance to religious fundamentalism.
Women occupy a central place in the Iranian Resistance, in particular at the head of numerous resistance units. Their struggle illustrates not only their quest for gender equality, but also their key role in mobilising and transforming Iranian society.
The national uprising of 2022, marked by the strong participation and leadership of women, demonstrated their power and determination to build a just and egalitarian society.
3. The historical and organisational experience of the People's Mujahedin:
The People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK), with almost 60 years of struggle against the successive dictatorships of the Shah and the mullahs, constitutes the backbone of the Iranian Resistance.
Its members, many of whom have survived years of torture and imprisonment, are now grouped in Camp Ashraf 3 in Albania. Their organisational expertise and unique experience make them essential to the management of this movement.
4. The National Council of Resistance of Iran, a democratic alternative:
The NCRI is a unique political coalition, bringing together diverse currents with a clear guideline: no shahs, no mullahs.
With 457 members, more than 50% of whom are women, the NCRI reflects a commitment to equality and diversity. Its affirmative action policy ensures significant representation of women in the political leadership of the future Iran.
The NCRI's ten-point programme includes the separation of religion and state, ethnic and religious equality, the abolition of the death penalty and a non-nuclear Iran. These universal democratic values are at the core of its political project.
The Iranian Resistance is a viable and humane alternative to the mullahs' dictatorship. With increased support from the international community, it can not only liberate Iran, but also bring peace and stability to a region ravaged by decades of violence. The time has come to support this movement of hope.