On April 4, 2025, the National Conference for Resistance of Iran (NCRI) U.S. office in Washington, D.C., hosted a vibrant Nowruz celebration, marking the Persian New Year with a gathering of distinguished guests, Iranian-Americans, and bipartisan American dignitaries. The event underscored the NCRI’s ongoing efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran, as highlighted in a speech by a representative of the NCRI U.S. office. The celebration reflected hope and solidarity, with warm wishes for joy, hope, and prosperity extended to the people of Iran and advocates of democracy in the U.S., emphasizing the shared vision for a free and democratic Iran.
Ms. Soona Samsami’s Remarks
Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to our NCR office Nowruz event. As we gather today to celebrate Nowruz, the beautiful Persian New Year, on behalf of all of us at NCRI U.S. in Washington, D.C.,
I extend my warmest greetings.
Happy Nowruz.
May this new year bring joy, hope, and prosperity to the people of Iran and to all the friends for fighting for freedom and democracy here in the United States.
I am honored to highlight some of the significant achievements of the NCRI Office over the past year during which we have made critical strides in promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran.
As the situation inside Iran becomes increasingly critical and the cry for freedom grows louder, one of the most important questions remains: What does the future of Iran look like? And what is the alternative to the religious tyranny and dictatorship in Iran?
The NCRI U.S. office has played a pivotal role in rallying bipartisan support in U.S. Congress, forging unity among lawmakers in support of the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations.
We managed to bring together from very conservative Republicans to the very liberal Democrats, from members of Congress to local officials, academia, and you say it beyond that. To support the 10-point plan for the future of Iran, initiated by the NCRI President-elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, calling for a non-nuclear Iran, peaceful coexistence with countries, a free market economy, equality between men and women, recognizing the rights of minorities, separation of religion and state, free elections, freedom of speech, and a democratic secular republic.
Our NCR office organized several impactful briefings and press conferences on peace and security issues.
For example, in December, in a press conference, we showed how Tehran had stepped up the weaponization of its nuclear program and uses front companies to hide its program.
In January of this year, we released crucial new intelligence from inside Iran gathered by the MEK in high risk, exposing Tehran’s ongoing efforts to develop nuclear warheads capable of reaching distances exceeding 3,000 kilometers at the Semnan and Shahrod missile sites.
On March 8, thousands of Iranian-American community members from across the United States gathered here in the Capitol and marched along Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. Congress to the White House in support of firm policy on Iran, and to endorse the Ten-Point Plan and the democratic alternative offered by the NCRI. Moreover, our unwavering support for the courageous resistance units inside Iran has inspired hope and determination among those on the front lines of this vital struggle. Our voice has reinforced the resolve, reaffirming the universal message that freedom will ultimately prevail.
Finally, our work has been instrumental in countering and standing firm against the regime’s
relentless propaganda and misinformation campaign, serving as a beacon of hope.
In closing, I must emphasize that Iran now confronts its most critical, sensitive, and turbulent phase, a decisive moment that will determine our nation’s destiny. We stand in opposition to the ruling theocracy and its allies, as well as those who, like weeds, have sprung up to bolster the vestiges of the reviled and toppled monarchical dictatorship.
Though daily experience, we have discerned that these forces in the United States seek only to hinder, albeit in vain, the national council of resistance of Iran and the broader resistance unwittingly serving the very agenda the regime imposes. Yes, let there be no doubt the Iranian people reject all forms of tyranny, striving for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic.
In this endeavor, we have been blessed to have a relentless network of Iranian-Americans all across the United States, as well as ever-energetic and smart interns. And on top of all that, it’s been the benefit of many—we have been blessed by the benefit of many American dignitaries, true patriots, in a bipartisan way who were never afraid to speak up and point to the facts.
Some of them, we are honored to have them here tonight with us. And I really thank all of them.
So, as we mark the beginning of the new year, let us renew our commitment to achieving a future of freedom, justice, and dignity for the Iranian people. Together, we will continue this important fight for democracy and peace, not only in Iran but around the world.
Thank you very much.