Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) – U.S. Representative Office, warned in an interview with RSBN’s Robert McNeily at CPAC 2025 Day 2 that Iran’s nuclear program has never been peaceful, and that failed diplomacy has only strengthened the regime. Speaking on Friday, February 21, Jafarzadeh called for stronger sanctions, international pressure, and direct support for the Iranian Resistance movement, asserting that regime change is the only way to stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran’s Nuclear Program and Western Failure
Jafarzadeh explained that the NCRI first exposed Tehran’s secret nuclear sites in 2002, proving that the clerical regime in Iran had always pursued nuclear weapons, not civilian energy. “They have enriched uranium beyond peaceful levels, developed warheads, and weaponized missiles—yet face little scrutiny,” he said, blaming past U.S. and European policies for legitimizing the regime’s nuclear activities instead of stopping them.
He criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for failing to hold Iran accountable, allowing the regime to manipulate inspections and block access to key military sites. “The only negotiation worth pursuing is about when and how they will shut down their nuclear weapons program,” he stated.
WATCH: Alireza Jafarzedah's Full Interview with RSBN's Robert McNeily at CPAC 2025 @A_Jafarzadeh pic.twitter.com/gKscz24Rl4
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) February 21, 2025
Diplomacy Has Failed
Jafarzadeh argued that diplomatic efforts have only emboldened Tehran, as the regime has continued its nuclear buildup while deceiving the international community. “The only way to end the nuclear threat is to end the rule of the clerics,” he stated.
He pointed to nine major uprisings in Iran since 2018 as proof that the Iranian people are determined to overthrow the regime. “Since 2018, protests have erupted across all 31 provinces. People have rejected dictatorship in all forms, whether under the Shah or the Ayatollahs. Their demand is clear—free elections, a secular republic, and an end to theocracy.”
Jafarzadeh dismissed concerns about post-regime chaos, emphasizing that the NCRI has a clear roadmap for a democratic transition, including free elections within six months of the regime’s fall. “The epicenter of chaos is already ruling Iran. They are the source of war and terror. The alternative is not uncertainty—it’s a democratic Iran.”
In light of @iaeaorg BoG resolution on the #Iranian regime's misconduct and failure to cooperate with the @UN watchdog, it's crucial to revisit over 3 decades of secretive activities and the NCRI's constant efforts to prevent a nuclear-armed pariah state.https://t.co/EiJenAsaiU https://t.co/lvD6qbumiY pic.twitter.com/qcXZLwOPO7
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 5, 2024
The Role of the U.S. and the International Community
Jafarzadeh urged the U.S. and European allies to abandon failed engagement policies and take decisive action by:
- Reinstating and expanding sanctions to cut off funding for the regime’s nuclear and terrorist activities.
- Supporting Iran’s democratic opposition, including the NCRI and the PMOI-led Resistance Units inside the country.
- Blocking the expiration of key sanctions to prevent the Iranian regime from accelerating its nuclear weapons program.
“The regime has played the West for years—negotiating just to buy time. It’s time to shut that process down and support the real force for change—the people of Iran,” he said.
March 8 Rally in Washington for Iran’s Freedom
Jafarzadeh announced that on March 8, 2025, thousands of Iranians and American supporters will march in Washington, D.C., from the U.S. Capitol to the White House, demanding a stronger U.S. stance against the Iranian regime.
The rally will support Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, which envisions a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear Iran with gender equality, freedom of speech, and a market economy. “Dictators seem invincible—until they’re not. Syria’s collapse showed how quickly regimes can fall. Iran is next,” Jafarzadeh declared.
He called on U.S. lawmakers and the public to stand with the Iranian people, emphasizing that a free Iran would bring stability to the region and the world.