BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES Series, February 14, 2025, Alireza Jafarzadeh, NCRI-US Deputy Director
On February 8th, the streets of Paris echoed with the impassioned cries of thousands of Iranians, unified in their demand for a democratic future for their homeland. The anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Revolution served as a poignant backdrop for this monumental gathering, where demonstrators from three generations voiced a resounding rejection of both the mullahs’ theocracy and the Shah’s monarchy.
The Paris rally was not merely a protest; it was a bold declaration that the Iranian regime’s days are numbered. The slogans “No Shah, No Mullah” reverberated through the air, encapsulating the collective desire for a fresh start underpinned by democratic values. The demonstrators’ fervor was matched by their unwavering support for the Resistance Units within Iran and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. Her Ten-Point Plan promises a peaceful transition to democracy, instilling hope for a future free from tyranny.
The Iranian regime’s current predicament is dire. Public discontent is at an all-time high. The regime’s traditional methods of maintaining control through fear and propaganda are failing, as evidenced by growing unrest and defiance from the populace.
Regionally, the regime’s influence is waning. The fall of strategic allies like Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah have diminished Tehran’s infamous “strategic depth,” leaving it isolated and vulnerable. This erosion of power, coupled with the relentless efforts of the organized Resistance, the NCRI, and the MEK, in domestic and international domains, has emboldened the Iranian people.
As the regime’s foundation crumbles, the international community faces a critical juncture. It must stand with the Iranian people in their quest for a free and democratic republic. A new revolution is on the horizon—one that promises to finally fulfill the aspirations of liberty, justice, and democracy for the Iranian people.