At an online conference held by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on March 15, 2026, former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird delivered a resolute message of support to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the residents of Camp Ashraf 3, declaring that the era of appeasement must end.
He argued that since 1979, diplomatic concessions have only empowered the current regime, asserting that true regime change is the only path forward. Critically, Baird noted that this change cannot be imposed by foreign military force, which has historically led to regional chaos; instead, it must be led by the organized internal resistance and the Iranian people themselves.
Baird identified the NCRI and the leadership of Maryam Rajavi as the prepared alternative, possessing the necessary discipline and mobilization networks to govern. He endorsed Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, highlighting its pillars of universal suffrage, gender equality, and a non-nuclear Iran. Recognizing the sacrifice of 100,000 lives, Baird emphasized that the struggle rejects all forms of dictatorship, including both clerical and hereditary rule. He concluded by affirming that the Canadian people stand in solidarity with this movement to establish a provisional government that will restore sovereignty to the citizens of Iran.
The full text of John Baird’s speech follows:
Madame Rajavi, NCRI supporters, my friends at Camp Ashraf 3, and to those listening in Iran. I’m so thrilled to join you from Canada today and to acknowledge that there are many other Canadian elected officials and former parliamentarians joining us today as well.
Canadians from coast to coast to coast have been watching what’s going on in Iran and we’re inspired by both your courage and your leadership. We’re inspired by the organized resistance in virtually every single corner of Iran. Your bravery and courage is a true inspiration.
Experience since 1979 has showed us that appeasement does not work. It merely prolongs the power of this brutal regime. We believe, as you do, that the only solution to the brutality inflicted on the Iranian people is regime change.
We have learned only too well that foreign military boots on the ground won’t accomplish true regime change. And in Iraq and Afghanistan unfortunately it led to terrorism and it led to chaos.
This is truly a critical time for the people of Iran. The January uprising shows that the people are demanding change. And my message is clear: we must keep up that pressure throughout Iran.
A very brave and courageous woman! With a plan! https://t.co/bPs2JvydlY
— John Baird (@Baird) February 28, 2026
Most important message I have today is, we need to replace these religious zealots and fascists with something better. What this means tangibly is we need leadership, we need organization, we need discipline, and we need networks that can mobilize to overthrow this regime and mobilized to bring in something better.
All of this exists within the NCRI led by a courageous woman, Maryam Rajavi. The Resistance has been forged through real sacrifice. 100,000 lives lost, including 30,000 political prisoners in 1988.
True change requires leadership and it requires a plan. Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan calls for things like free elections and universal suffrage, the separation of religion and state, gender equality for both men and women, minority rights, the abolition of the death penalty, a non-nuclear Iran committed to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.
It requires and rejects all forms of dictatorship. We must reject the clerical and the hereditary rule. Down with the mullahs. We have a roadmap for a democratic transition and only have one leader who has shown the leadership, the courage, and the commitment to draft and to implement that plan.
U need a plan for the people…..here it is! https://t.co/kQjWeIxuVP
— John Baird (@Baird) February 28, 2026
A provisional government with a strictly limited six-month mandate and to transfer sovereignty to the people of Iran. The international community should not seek to impose solutions from outside. This process should be led by the Iranian people itself and by committed leaders who have the courage and the capacity to deliver real change.
The Iranian people will achieve freedom and the world will welcome a democratic Iran back into the community of nations. And I want to speak to everyone that shares the passion for freedom for the people of Iran and let them know that the Canadian people are with you in this great struggle. Canadians have come out in hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Toronto to voice their support for the organized resistance in Iran. We are astonished and thrilled with the success you’ve achieved to date and hope that you can go on.
So, I thank Madame Rajavi, I thank all of you, and I look forward to regime change in Iran. Down with the mullahs and power to the people.