FIDU President Antonio Stango, former MEP Struan Stevenson, and Senator Robert Torricell joined an online conference on January 16, 2025, to discuss the right policy toward Iran

Policymakers from the United States and Europe convened for an online conference, “Iran: Time for Change, Policy Options,” to address the Iranian regime’s increasing vulnerabilities and explore pathways for supporting democratic change. Hosted by leading human rights and policy advocates, the event emphasized the necessity of global solidarity in countering Tehran’s oppression and amplifying the aspirations of the Iranian people.

Antonio Stango, President of the Italian Federation for Human Rights, opened the conference by underscoring the regime’s weakened grip on power. He highlighted the collapse of Iran’s regional proxies and the growing resolve of its citizens for change. Stango dismissed the notion of reformist-hardliner divides within the regime, asserting, “There is no such thing as two different components in the regime. They are all faithful to the most cruel and human rights-abusing regime in the world.”

Key speakers lauded the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a credible alternative to the current regime. Former U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli emphasized the NCRI’s increasing global recognition and readiness for governance. “Today, the NCRI is not just an opposition; it is a government-in-waiting,” he remarked, noting its 10-point plan for a democratic Iran, which includes free elections, gender equality, and a commitment to a non-nuclear policy.

Struan Stevenson, former Member of the European Parliament, highlighted the NCRI’s broad international support, noting endorsements from over 3,000 prominent figures, including Nobel laureates. He stressed, “This coalition recognizes the Iranian people’s right to overthrow the mullahs.”

The MEK Resistance Units, active across Iran, were identified as a driving force behind grassroots opposition. Torricelli described their efforts, from graffiti campaigns to organizing protests, as critical to the resistance movement.

Meanwhile, panelists criticized Tehran’s attempts to undermine the NCRI by promoting figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, as distractions. “Iranians have made it clear: ‘No to the Sheikh, no to the Shah,’” Stevenson stated.

The conference highlighted a pivot in U.S. policy toward maximum pressure on Tehran, with General Keith Kellogg’s recent remarks at an NCRI event signaling firm support for the Iranian resistance.

Speakers concluded with optimism for Iran’s liberation. Torricelli predicted the regime’s imminent collapse, while Stevenson urged the international community to blacklist the IRGC and support resistance forces. “The NCRI offers a democratic future for Iran,” he said, calling for an end to appeasement policies. The unified message was clear: the time has come for the international community to stand with the Iranian people and their democratic opposition to ensure a free and just future for.

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