A broad coalition of Irish lawmakers gathered on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Dublin to declare their support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy, endorsing the platform of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its President-elect Maryam Rajavi. The parliamentary conference, titled “No to Executions, Terrorism, and Nuclear Weapons – Yes to Democratic Change and a Republic,” united senators, TDs, former ministers, and political leaders across parties in an emphatic call for international action against the Iranian regime.
In her keynote address, Maryam Rajavi condemned the clerical regime’s systematic repression, its regional destabilization, and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. “The recent explosions in the largest port of Iran, with multitudes of victims killed and injured, were the outcome of the regime’s destructive military activities,” she said, linking the disaster to the regime’s militarism and reckless policies. “This regime is defined by its terrible human rights abuses, warmongering, and its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons,” she added. Mrs. Rajavi stressed that the only viable solution is the overthrow of the regime by the Iranian people and their resistance, emphasizing: “This alternative provides a guarantee against chaos. It also guarantees national unity after the fall of the regime, and it guarantees a democratic and peaceful process for the transfer of power.”
Former MEP and minister Jim Higgins delivered a strong statement in support of the Iranian people’s struggle and the NCRI’s campaign for change. He praised Maryam Rajavi’s international advocacy, saying, “Everywhere she has gone… she manages to convey the message that the world really needs to rally behind the people of Iran.” Higgins warned that the regime’s influence extends far beyond its borders: “Their fingerprints of terror are all over… until such time as the regime is toppled, then and not till then will you have a lasting peace in that tragic, troubled part of the world.”
The religious dictatorship ruling Iran is one of the most serious threats to peace and security in the world, especially in the Middle East. The recent explosions in the largest port of Iran (#BandarAbbas) with multitudes of victims killed and injured were the outcome of the… pic.twitter.com/1zNcWQCnCD
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) April 29, 2025
Former minister John Paul Phelan spoke of his long-standing personal connection to Iranian exiles in Ireland and their role as “great ambassadors for your cause.” He condemned the regime’s brutal record of executions, noting, “Two-thirds of all state executions in the world in 2024 took place in Iran… so many of them are young people, so many haven’t committed any offense.” Phelan argued strongly that Ireland should not maintain diplomatic ties with the regime: “We should not and should not countenance having an embassy in Tehran until there is a Democratic Republic of Iran.” He warned against negotiations being used as “a tool of oppression” and reaffirmed his support for the NCRI’s slogan: “Down with the oppressor, whether it’s the Shah or the Supreme Leader.”
Brendan Smith TD echoed the conference’s central message. “Ireland and Europe have to give a clear message that they stand with the oppressed. Well, that’s the message we give,” he declared. “The people of Ireland believe in democracy, we believe in human rights, and we believe in freedom. That’s what your people are seeking.” Smith described the conference’s slogan as an undeniable moral imperative: “Anybody who professes that they believe in democracy… we have to agree 1000% with the message.”
Irish MP John Perry expressed strong support for Iran’s democratic opposition, commending the organization’s leadership and advocacy efforts.
“I have huge admiration for Mrs. Rajavi’s dedication and commitment,” Perry said, praising the NCRI’s work empowering Iranians and raising international awareness. He highlighted the growing support among protest groups inside Iran and the NCRI’s role in uniting voices for change.
While acknowledging broad sympathy from European lawmakers, Perry noted the need for stronger institutional backing. “It is disappointing that there has been no formal, significant endorsement of the NCRI by the EU,” he remarked, encouraging more action within European parliamentary bodies.
Perry concluded by reaffirming the importance of solidarity with Iran’s people, saying that lasting change “will only come from within,” while external support can help amplify their efforts.
Senator Gerard Craughwell described his evolving view of diplomatic engagement with Tehran. “I was an advocate for opening an embassy in Iran. I believe now it was a mistake,” he admitted, citing the regime’s brutality. “Your country is a beautiful country run by some of the most brutal people this world has.” Senator Craughwell pledged his support: “I’ll use my social media to reproduce everything I see on executions in Iran, and I pray that the day will come when you will be a truly democratic country.”
Senator Joe O’Reilly, speaking from his position as Vice President of the European People’s Party at the Council of Europe, emphasized the regime’s repression at home and destabilizing activities abroad. “The Iranian regime… uses repression against its own people… and exports terrorism both to the Middle East and indeed to Ukraine,” he said. Praising the leadership of Maryam Rajavi, O’Reilly added: “It’s instructive and indeed encouraging that the NCRI is led by a woman… gender equality must be at the forefront of any issue.” He described the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as “a succinct road to a secular democratic society” and concluded: “It behoves all of us to wish you well in your struggles… and be as supportive as we physically can be.”
Erin McGreehan TD lauded the NCRI’s commitment to women’s leadership, noting that the PMOI is “led entirely by women.” She called for urgent international action to protect Iranian women and political prisoners, citing the case of Maryam Akbari Monfared, imprisoned for over 15 years for demanding justice for her executed siblings. “We cannot remain silent,” McGreehan urged, advocating for the EU to “designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization without delay” and to “refer Iran’s human rights dossier to the UN Security Council.”
Josh Byrne, a member of the youth wing of Ireland’s governing Fine Gael party, voiced strong support for tougher measures against Iran’s regime during a public event this week. Praising the “incredible bravery and resolve” of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Byrne called for a “zero tolerance approach” to economic dealings with Tehran.
“We must leverage our very significant diplomatic presence at the EU level… to advocate for the reimposition of sanctions and for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization,” Byrne said. He urged fellow citizens to use their democratic freedoms to support the Iranian people’s struggle for a free and democratic Iran.
TD Pádraig O’Sullivan focused on the nuclear threat posed by the regime, warning: “The Iranian regime continues to flagrantly violate the Iran nuclear deal, expanding its nuclear program well beyond any civilian purpose.” He called for “the Irish government and the EU to work with allies at the United Nations to place the regime under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter” and to “activate the snapback mechanism to reinstate UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions against the regime.”
James O’Connor TD emphasized the urgency of international accountability: “We have to call out what is going on in Iran,” he said. “We are living in a world that’s an increasingly dangerous place where hostile actors are able to get away with what is going on in Iran… We are serious as parliamentarians to ensure that the government of Iran is held to urgent account.”
Paul Gogarty TD linked Ireland’s strong record on human rights to the Iranian cause, arguing: “We have credibility in doing so because we have been so strong in condemning human rights abuses elsewhere… We should be equally loud and outspoken” against the Iranian regime.
Shane Moynihan TD expressed his unwavering commitment to the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, emphasizing the fundamental values at stake: “I stand fully behind the vision of a free democracy that is built on respect for human rights, regardless of background, gender, or creed. Know that you have a supporter in me. My office is always ready to help in any way I can with the furtherance of your objectives and aims.” He added his desire for continued engagement with the NCRI, stating he looked forward to meeting Mrs. Rajavi in person and deepening his involvement.
Naoise Ó Cearúil TD likewise conveyed his strong solidarity with the NCRI and the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations, recognizing their long struggle: “I compliment you on the longstanding work you have been undertaking since 1993. It’s been a long road, but it’s so important that you continue the fight and bring international attention to what is happening in Iran. I pledge to work with my colleagues here in Ireland to help advance the freedom of your people and the democratic will of your people.” He affirmed his readiness to collaborate further, adding, “Anything I can do to help you, I will indeed.”
Amir Seifi, addressing the conference, framed the struggle in universal terms. “Today, we speak not merely of policies and politics, but of principle—the timeless battle between tyranny and freedom,” he said. Calling for concrete international action, Seifi urged: “We must recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist and support the NCRI and President-elect Maryam Rajavi… We must act with resolve and unity to help make real change.” He concluded with a hopeful vision: “The day is coming when Iran will be free, a free secular and democratic republic. And when it does, we will finally be able to host you all for the celebrations in Iran.”
The conference concluded with a broad consensus among Irish lawmakers that Iran’s regime poses a threat not only to its own people but to global peace and security, and that Europe must take concrete steps to hold it accountable while supporting the Iranian people’s struggle for a democratic future.