WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Saturday, March 8, 2025, thousands of Iranian Americans and supporters gathered in Washington to commemorate International Women’s Day and demonstrate solidarity with the Iranian Resistance against clerical dictatorship.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), delivered a passionate keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of women in the fight for freedom. “Women are the force for change,” Mrs. Rajavi said. “The liberation of women is the prerequisite for the liberation of men. And the overthrow of the Velayat-e Faqih regime will be achieved through women’s leadership.”
The NCRI President-elect described Iran’s regime as one “that wages an unrelenting war on its people using organized violence,” advocating for “organized resistance and uprising” as the only solution.
“Today, Khamenei is drawing battle lines against the Iranian people through relentless executions. At the same time, he is accelerating his nuclear bomb-making program to threaten and extort the international community,” she warned.
Message to the Rally and Demonstration of Iranians and Supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Washington, D.C. -It Is Time to Rise Up
I send my greetings to you and your rally and march, which proudly upholds the flag of Iran’s resistance and uprising.
On this day, International… pic.twitter.com/PqvyNmGMDL— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 8, 2025
Congressman Brad Sherman underscored the urgency of supporting democratic change in Iran. “We’re here to support the Iranian people and their struggle for democracy. That can only be made possible by putting an end to the Islamic Republic,” Sherman said, emphasizing the regime’s brutality, especially towards women. “On this International Women’s Day, let us honor the innocent women of Iran killed by this evil regime,” he urged.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani sharply criticized U.S. policies towards the regime in Iran, highlighting what he called failures under previous administrations. “President Obama gave the Ayatollah hundreds of millions of dollars in cash,” Giuliani stated. He contrasted this with the pressure applied by the subsequent administration, praising the resistance movement led by Rajavi. “Down with the Ayatollah. Down with the mullahs. And up with Maryam Rajavi!” he exclaimed.
Senator Sam Brownback delivered an impassioned address highlighting the importance of international solidarity and swift action. “The winds of change are blowing in Tehran,” Brownback stated, urging immediate regime change through maximum political, economic, and security pressure. Drawing historical parallels, he reminded attendees, “When communism came down in the Soviet Union, it was led by a group like yours. We can do the same thing in Iran.”
Iran Fredom March in DC: Thousands of supporters of #NCRIAltenative and its president-elect Maryam Rajavi, marching for a free non-nuclear republic in Iran, call for recognition of Iranians' right to overthrow the theocratic regime, during #2025RallyForAFreeIran. pic.twitter.com/99QlVFzbW8
— NCRI-U.S. Rep Office (@NCRIUS) March 8, 2025
Representing the Organization of Iranian American Communities, Amir Emadi set the tone, declaring, “We gather to show that the epicenter of terror in Tehran is also the birthplace of hope. With unwavering determination, we are ready to dismantle this corrupt system and secure a democratic future.”
Dr. Azadeh Sami highlighted Iranian women’s resilience: “Iranian women are the driving force for freedom. From young girls confronting IRGC forces to mothers marching for justice, their courage remains unmatched. We amplify your voices until Iran is free.”
Dr. Niloufar Ehsani passionately argued, “Women of Iran are fighting for the soul of a nation. Their resistance isn’t just about the hijab but about complete emancipation from tyranny and oppression. Maryam Rajavi’s rejection of compulsory hijab symbolizes true freedom and dignity.”
Today, in the shadows of a symbol of America's vibrant democracy, Iranain Americans gather in solitary with a vibrant resistance in Iran led by @Maryam_Rajavi – fighting to overthrow the dark dictatorship of the clerical regime. @BradSherman @RepMcClintock @michaelgwaltz pic.twitter.com/VMkqnIZSIL
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 8, 2025
Dr. Soolmaz Abooali, an Iranian American activist and athlete, affirmed the strength and determination of Iranian women, praising Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a free Iran. “The overthrow of the Iranian regime is the only way to end the threat posed by a corrupt regime,” she stated.
Youth speaker Hanif Ahadi reinforced the message of resilience and hope. Ahadi declared, “Every drop of blood spilled nourishes the tree of freedom,” emphasizing the unbreakable spirit of the Iranian youth.
Michelle Shariati, an Iranian American student activist, called for international solidarity and support. “Iran needs a political alternative to affect change in Iran, and we have it,” she stated, referencing the NCRI and Rajavi’s democratic vision. “Today, I speak directly to my courageous sisters in their Resistance Units, to the young women in the streets of Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad, who stand fearless against the regime’s forces. You are the true face of Iran, and we will fight for you,” she said.
Today, in the shadows of a symbol of America's vibrant democracy, Iranain Americans gather in solitary with a vibrant resistance in Iran led by @Maryam_Rajavi – fighting to overthrow the dark dictatorship of the clerical regime. @BradSherman @RepMcClintock @michaelgwaltz pic.twitter.com/VMkqnIZSIL
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) March 8, 2025
Iranian youth speakers proclaimed their determination, stating, “We fight for a future where justice replaces oppression, freedom replaces tyranny, and life replaces death. Our generation learned resistance from those before us, and we stand proudly committed to the liberation of Iran.”
Throughout the rally, chants of “Women, Resistance, Freedom” resonated powerfully, encapsulating the spirit and unity of the gathering.