An Insightful Synopsis of “Turning the Tide on Tehran” by the Pompeo Foundation (May 2025)
By the NCRI-US Staff, July 17, 2025
The Pompeo Foundation’s “Turning the Tide on Tehran” report, authored by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, presents a comprehensive strategy to address the Iranian regime’s threats to global and regional stability. Released in May 2025, the report critiques past U.S. policies, notably the Obama administration’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which failed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and instead bolstered its support for terrorism. It advocates for a renewed “Maximum Pressure” campaign, building on the Trump administration’s earlier successes, to deter Iran and protect U.S. interests.
Focus on the Iranian Resistance
A critical component of the report is its emphasis on empowering the Iranian people and their organized resistance as the key to lasting change. The Iranian regime, characterized by brutality and extremism, has proven resistant to reform, with its unpopularity evident in the mass pro-democracy protests of recent years, including the 2022 uprising. This movement, supported across all societal sectors, reflects a deep desire for democratic governance, further fueled by economic crises and the regime’s eroded legitimacy.
The report highlights the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its 10-point plan as a viable blueprint for a peaceful democratic transition. This plan includes free elections within six months of the regime’s fall, separation of religion and state, gender equality, and the end of nuclear ambitions. The swift collapse of the Assad regime in Syria is cited as evidence that tyrannical governments can fall rapidly, underscoring the need for a prepared opposition to fill any power vacuum and prevent exploitation by malign actors.
The document argues that supporting the Iranian resistance is not equivalent to imposing regime change but rather recognizing the Iranian people’s right to determine their destiny. It calls for U.S. advocacy for those imprisoned or threatened, such as the dissident community at Camp Ashraf-3 in Albania, and improved coordination with the opposition. The rebellious Iranian youth, organized into resistance units, are leading daily protests against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), offering a tangible path to freedom.
Strategic and Moral Imperative
The report asserts that backing the Iranian opposition aligns with America’s strategic and moral obligations. With Iran weakened by internal dissent and external setbacks—such as the decimation of its proxies by Israel and the loss of Assad as an ally—the U.S. has a unique opportunity to isolate the regime, expand the Abraham Accords, and counter the China-Russia-Iran axis. The Iranian regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for terrorism threaten global security, making timely support for the resistance urgent.
In conclusion, “Turning the Tide on Tehran” positions the Iranian people’s struggle as central to regional stability. By leveraging the NCRI’s vision and the Trump-era “Maximum Pressure” model, the report calls for a robust U.S. strategy to end the mullahs’ tyranny and foster a democratic, peaceful Iran.
The full report can be read here.
The Pompeo Foundation’s tweet: