Former U.S. National Security Advisor Gen. James Jones, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran Maryam Rajavi, Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters attending international conference held Jan. 11 in Paris. Photo: NCRI

Ever since the brutal October 7 war waged by Iran-funded Hamas on Israel, the Iranian resistance has consistently warned about Iran’s critical state – indeed, about its closeness to collapse. They cited the theocratic regime’s deliberate instigation of the attack on Israel to prevent another major uprising against the Iranian government – an uprising that could have been its final blow.

Just as many once doubted the fall of the Syrian regime, today many fail to grasp how close Iran’s regime is to collapse.

The recent conflict that began Friday, June 13 represents a pivotal turning point for the region and Iran’s future. However, it is crucial to recognize that the fundamental crisis in Iran remains the struggle between the Iranian people and the religious dictatorship – a battle that has been ongoing for over four decades. Ever since Ayatollah Khomeini seized power, the regime has persistently resorted to external wars and manufactured crises to conceal domestic oppression and ensure its survival. Consequently, the only practical solution for Iran is the overthrow of the regime by the Iranian people and their organized resistance.

Neither war nor appeasement: A third option exists

The international community is not limited to the dangerous binary choice of “war” or “appeasement.” There is a third, viable alternative rooted in the Iranian people’s will and strength.

In 2002, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI, first exposed the regime’s secret nuclear program. Since then, the NCRI has repeatedly warned the world of the grave threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iranian regime. Moreover, the Council consistently pointed out that the regime’s aggressive regional interference is far more dangerous than even its nuclear ambitions.

Unfortunately, the international community chose to persist with appeasement, leading unjustly to the NCRI and its principal organization being listed as terrorists. Meanwhile, the regime continued its nuclear development unchecked.

This policy of appeasement has emboldened the Iranian regime. Even after the 2015 “Iran nuclear deal” – the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA – which released $150 billion in frozen Iranian assets, the regime intensified its uranium enrichment beyond 60%, amassing enough fissile material for at least 10 nuclear bombs.

Concurrently, through its proxies and militias, the regime engulfed the region in war and chaos. Ultimately, appeasement has led to a direct imposition of war upon the region and the world.

The Iranian resistance: A people-powered movement for democracy

Despite enduring brutal massacres in 1981 and 1988 – when more than 30,000 political prisoners were executed – the Iranian Resistance has emerged stronger and better organized than ever. Its resilience and determination stem from widespread grassroots support across Iran. This popular backing has enabled the Resistance, even under severe repression, to establish a nationwide network of “Resistance Units” over the past decade.

Today, thousands of Resistance Units operate across Iranian cities and towns, undertaking more than 3,000 anti-regime actions and tens of thousands of awareness-raising activities within just the past year. Representing Iran’s Generation Z, these courageous activists rally behind the slogans “No to compulsory rule,” “No to compulsory religion,” “No to compulsory hijab,” embodying a strong and determined fight for freedom and democracy.

Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian Resistance, on June 18 in the European Parliament, told the present MEPs:

“There is no doubt that the just struggle of the Iranian people, led by their uprising and Resistance Units, will succeed. The day of freedom and victory of the Iranian people’s democratic revolution is drawing near.”

A democratic plan for the transition after the regime’s fall

For over four decades, the National Council of Resistance of Iran – representing the organized and legitimate resistance of the Iranian people – has presented a clearly articulated roadmap for the peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. According to this plan, immediately following the regime’s collapse, the NCRI will establish a provisional government with a limited six-month mandate. During this brief transitional period, free and democratic elections will take place to elect a Constituent Assembly responsible for drafting a new democratic constitution. After this, full executive authority will transfer to the newly elected representatives of the Iranian people.

Over recent decades, the Iranian Resistance has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democratic values, pluralism and human rights. It emphasizes civil, religious and political freedoms for all Iranian citizens and recognizes the critical leadership role of women. By explicitly rejecting all forms of dictatorship – under the strategic principle of “No to the Shah and No to the Mullahs” – the NCRI sets out a clear vision of democratic governance for Iran’s future.

The final goal of the Iranian Resistance is to end over a century of dictatorship in the Middle East, paving the way for lasting peace, freedom and democracy in the region.

The road ahead: A path of hope and determination

In these critical times, the Iranian Resistance stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the determination of the Iranian people.

With unwavering commitment, this Resistance will continue moving toward the establishment of a free and democratic Iran, reaffirming once again that history ultimately belongs to those who courageously struggle for freedom and human rights.