In a powerful speech delivered on March 1 at the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Headquarters, former Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Robert Joseph, delivered a scathing critique of Western democracies’ ongoing support for the Iranian regime. 

His remarks underscored the enabling effect this support has on Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, its sponsorship of terrorism, and the suppression of its own citizens.

Joseph lambasted Western policies for strengthening the Iranian regime, accusing Western think tanks and academia of succumbing to Iranian-sponsored disinformation campaigns. “The international community, and especially, I would say, Western democracies, have consistently made the wrong choice in choosing in favor of the mullahs,” Joseph stated, emphasizing the contradiction in supporting a government responsible for thousands of Iranian deaths.

Questioning the logic behind any cooperation with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to effect change in Iran, Joseph described such notions as incredulous. Instead, he spotlighted the legitimate opposition’s aspirations for a “free, democratic, and non-nuclear Iran,” as outlined in the Ten-Point Plan by Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI.

Ambassador Joseph’s address also featured a tribute to the opposition’s sacrifice and determination. “I’m truly in awe of the dedication determination and courage and the personal sacrifices that many, if not most of you, have made in this cause,” he commended, highlighting the opposition as the true agent of change in Iran.

He criticized the wishful thinking and appeasement policies of Western democracies, particularly the United States, for providing the Iranian regime with the means to “conduct terrorist activities around the globe, to pursue aggressively a nuclear weapons capability, to undertake regional aggression, and to repress the people of Iran.” Joseph challenged the effectiveness of negotiations with a regime known for its failure to honor commitments.

The former diplomat condemned the support for a regime that has “murdered tens of thousands of its own citizens,” calling out those in the West who attack the democratic opposition. Joseph asserted that such policies not only undermine national security interests but also betray the moral imperative of defending human rights.

In his concluding remarks, Joseph called for a reevaluation of Western policies towards Iran, urging support for the democratic opposition. He envisioned a future where the Iranian people are free from tyranny and highlighted the stark choice between appeasement of the regime and the support of democracy.

Ambassador Robert Joseph’s speech serves as a clarion call for a reformed approach to Iran, advocating for the support of the democratic opposition over the continuation of failed policies that have only emboldened a regime at odds with the aspirations of its people and global security.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu