In the face of four decades of futile attempts by Western governments to inspire moderation within Iran’s ruling theocracy, a cross-party conference held at the European Parliament on May 24th presented a different perspective.

The conference, attended by various MEPs and Iranian opposition President-elect Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), argued that it is high time to recognize the reality behind Iran’s deceptive diplomacy and address its ongoing human rights violations and sponsorship of terrorism.

Throughout the past forty years, each time a seemingly moderate president assumed power in Tehran, Western nations have envisaged a chance to foster reform within Iran’s clerical regime. This approach, driven primarily by a desire to access Iran’s wealth of natural resources, has faced backlash from many politicians who see it as a fallacious endeavor.

MEP Ivan Štefanec of Slovakia highlighted this during the conference, criticizing Western nations’ appeasement policy towards Iran, which has repeatedly carried out terrorist attacks across Europe, funded militant groups in the Middle East, and defied international condemnations over its grave human rights abuses.

Štefanec equated Iran’s religious fascist regime to historical fascist movements, stating, “History teaches us when facing fascism, peace does not work and has a reverse effect.”

Emphasizing Iran’s active support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict, Štefanec lambasted Western governments for prioritizing their economic interests over taking a hard stance against Iran’s infractions. He lauded the Iranian Resistance, led by Mrs. Rajavi, for their ongoing fight against Iran’s ruling theocracy despite severe repression and loss of life.

As Iran faces escalating domestic unrest and an increasing wave of dissent revealing its vulnerabilities, Western powers have a critical opportunity to prevent Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, from acquiring nuclear weapons without resorting to military intervention.

To accomplish this, Štefanec proposed acknowledging the Iranian people’s right to self-defense and designating the Revolutionary Guards, a key apparatus of the Iranian regime, as a terrorist organization. He dismissed “pseudo-alternatives” who advocate for “non-violent” ways, asserting that rebellion against tyrannic regimes is both the right and duty of citizens, according to various democratic principles.

Štefanec concluded by advocating for Western support of the Iranian people’s uprising for regime change. He endorsed Madam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for a democratic and secular republic, urging solidarity with the Iranian people’s fight for democracy. “We are together with you,” he affirmed.

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