Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2025 – The U.S. Congressional Caucus on Human Rights and Democracy in Iran held a hearing featuring Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), who joined the session virtually. The hearing, chaired by Representatives Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), brought together bipartisan lawmakers who voiced strong support for Iran’s pro-democracy movement and the NCRI’s plan for regime change.
In her testimony, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi declared, “The Iranian people’s desire and the only solution to the Iranian crisis is the regime’s overthrow by the Iranian people.” She underscored the role of the Resistance Units in Iran, emphasizing, “These resistance units are Iran’s freedom fighters and the driving force for change.” The NCRI President-elect also rejected any notion of reform within the clerical regime, stating, “Negotiations are neither wise, nor intelligent, nor honorable,” quoting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s own words to highlight the regime’s intransigence.
A key moment in the hearing was the introduction of House Resolution 166, co-sponsored by Congressmen McClintock and Sherman, with backing from over 150 lawmakers. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for a “democratic, secular, peaceful, and non-nuclear Iran” and acknowledges “the rights of the Iranian people, the protesters, and the Resistance Units to confront the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and repressive forces to bring about change.”
The situation of the Iranian society is explosive. The mullahs are surrounded from all sides: by a society that is filled with anger and rebellion, by Resistance Units, and by selfless and rebellious youth. These resistance units are Iran’s freedom fighters and the driving force… pic.twitter.com/IuLUCwc1Fo
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) February 26, 2025
Mrs. Rajavi outlined the NCRI’s plan for a “democratic transition” in Iran, reaffirming that “we are not seeking to seize power, but to transfer it to its rightful owners—the people of Iran.” She detailed the roadmap for a post-theocratic Iran, including the establishment of a “provisional government” for a maximum of six months, followed by “free and fair elections for a National and Constituent Assembly.”
She also called for urgent international measures, including “activation of the snapback mechanism leading to the re-implementation of all the UN Security Council resolutions” and “placing this regime under Chapter VII of the UN Charter due to its threats to global peace and security.”
Congressman Tom McClintock emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The Iranian regime has become a pariah among the civilized nations of the world and a supreme source of misery, injustice, and oppression for its own people.” He added, “Events are coming to a head. It’s not inconceivable that within the next few years, we will be celebrating the liberation of Iran.”
Congressman Brad Sherman echoed these sentiments, reaffirming his long-standing support for Iran’s pro-democracy movement. “The bloodthirsty regime occupying Tehran is a threat not only to all the people in Iran but to the region and the world,” Sherman warned. He called for stronger U.S. measures, stating, “We need a U.S. government that supports all of the groups that are working for a democratic Iran.”
Over 150 bi-partisan members of Congress filed H.Res 166 to support @Maryam_Rajavi road map to bring change in Iran. https://t.co/EYoB4wtMUt pic.twitter.com/IMurnxYJYO
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) February 27, 2025
Representative Zoe Lofgren, Co-Chair of the Iranian Women’s Congressional Caucus, emphasized the role of Iranian women in the resistance. “The heroism of the Iranian people, especially the women and young people, inspires us,” she stated. She underscored the bipartisan commitment in Congress to standing with those fighting for freedom in Iran, adding, “The people of Iran seeking freedom must know they have advocates and friends who will stand up for them.”
Similarly, Representative Randy Weber underscored that the regime is vulnerable, calling on the resistance to seize the moment. “Iran is back on its heels. They have lost credibility and power. Now is the time.” He reinforced his commitment to supporting a free Iran, pledging, “Keep fighting because help is on the way.”
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart delivered a strong condemnation of the Iranian regime, making it clear that its continued existence poses a threat not just to Iran, but to global stability. “A change in regime in Iran is a service to humanity,” he asserted. He stressed that the U.S. must not be ambiguous in identifying Iran as a pariah state, emphasizing, “We should not be shy about admitting what we all know: Iran’s ruling mullahs are a murderous terrorist regime.”
Coming up soon! Make sure to tune in to watch as I address the @OrgIAC. https://t.co/1kKZRPVlQn
— Mario Díaz-Balart (@MarioDB) February 26, 2025
Congressman Danny Davis, drawing from his personal history as an activist and African American leader, expressed deep admiration for the Iranian resistance. “Every time I hear you, I am inspired,” he said, addressing Rajavi. He praised the resilience of the Iranian opposition and its ability to sustain its struggle, remarking, “Struggle, strife, and pain are the prerequisites for change. The way you’re fighting oppression, knowing that at the end of the fight, there will be freedom and liberation, is truly remarkable.”
Representative Keith Alan Self highlighted the growing desperation of the Iranian regime and the potential dangers of a nuclear escalation. “At some point, regime survival will be paramount. And when that time comes, they may decide to change that,” he warned, expressing concern that Iran could seek nuclear weapons as a last-ditch effort to secure its rule. He urged continued vigilance, stating, “We must keep a close eye on this because when the regime feels threatened, their survival will be paramount. And who knows what they will do?”
Congressman Lance Gooden reaffirmed his strong support for the Iranian Resistance and the NCRI’s vision for a democratic Iran. “This Ten-Point Plan is something that we have all been very supportive of for so many years. And I believe that is the future for Iran,” he said. Gooden emphasized the importance of sustained congressional backing for the Iranian people’s aspirations for democracy. “The American people stand with you,” he affirmed, urging fellow lawmakers to maintain their bipartisan support for Iran’s freedom movement. “So many have suffered for so long, and we are with you in this fight.”
Longtime Supporter Rep. Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) Reiterates His Support To The Resistance Units In Iran And Ensures Iran Will Be Free🙏
📺 WATCH HERE: https://t.co/11YZJC7wwr pic.twitter.com/poUGcXdM6V
— OIAC: Organization of Iranian American Communities (@OrgIAC) February 26, 2025
The hearing also included testimony from Dr. Alejo Vidal Quadras, former Vice President of the European Parliament, who survived an assassination attempt in Madrid—an attack executed by the Iranian regime’s state-sponsored terrorism. “This incident marks a sinister evolution of the regime’s approach to terrorism,” he warned. Vidal Quadras called for an end to Western appeasement, stating, “The policy of engagement has not only failed but has actively harmed our interests.”
The session concluded with McClintock reinforcing the commitment of the U.S. Congress to stand with the Iranian people, stating, “This resolution endorses the Ten-Point Plan of the NCRI… and it pledges to support that work until Iran has been restored to its rightful place among the free, prosperous, and peaceful nations of the world.”