The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) held a Nowruz reception on March 21, 2023, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC.

The event was attended by renowned former U.S. officials from both sides of the aisle, who supported the Iranian people’s uprising and organized Resistance. During the event, Ms. Soona Samsami, the representative of the NCRI in the United States, spoke about the ongoing Iranian uprisings and the seismic changes that have taken place in Iran over the past year. She acknowledged that there were challenges ahead and that Tehran would continue to suppress dissent, but the Iranian Resistance was prepared to meet those challenges with courage and determination.

The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed the reception and expressed her support for the people of Iran who want to rid themselves of the theocratical regime that restricts their freedom.

Ambassador Robert Joseph, former Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security also addressed the Nowruz event and praised the Resistance Units in Iran for leading the fight for freedom. He stressed that the NCRI and its main constituent, the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), have a vision for a free, democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran that scares the regime the most, but it will ultimately prevail.

Professor Steven M. Schneebaum, a prominent international law expert and professor at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, spoke about his experience visiting Ashraf 1 and Ashraf 2 in Iran, and Ashraf 3 in Albania. He extended his Nowruz greetings to his Iranian friends fighting for freedom not only in Albania but also in Iran and other places.

He extended his Nowruz greetings to his Iranian friends fighting for freedom not only in Albania but also in Iran and other places. Colonel Wes Martin, former Senior Anti-terrorism and Force Protection Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq, also spoke at the event. He congratulated the Iranian people for their fight against oppression and tyranny and emphasized how the Iranian people are “saying NO to Khamenei.”

Dr. Sofey Saidi, a member of the NCRI Foreign Affairs Committee, moderated the Nowruz reception and highlighted the leadership role of Iranian women in the current uprising.

Prof. Ivan Sascha Sheehan, the associate dean of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, remarked that the tide is turning and that Tehran’s dictatorship would be replaced by a peaceful, inclusive, tolerant government that upholds human rights and maintains positive relations with the world.

The event was a significant gathering of prominent U.S. officials who support the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and democracy. They praised the resilience and determination of the Iranian people and expressed hope that Iran will soon become a free, democratic, and peaceful nation.

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 – YouTub