By Amr Gohar
Washington, D.C. As tensions surrounding Iran continue to dominate regional and international headlines, members of the Iranian opposition gathered in the United States to voice their message about the future of their country. During a rally attended by Iranian Americans and supporters from across the United States, opposition figures called for greater recognition of the Iranian people’s struggle against the ruling government in Tehran.
Among the speakers and participants was Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). The NCRI describes itself as a political coalition and a “parliament in exile” representing an organized opposition to Iran’s current leadership.
In an exclusive interview, Jafarzadeh spoke about the purpose of the rally, the role of organized resistance inside Iran, and what he believes the international community—particularly the United States—should and should not do as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East. He also addressed accusations that foreign governments in the region may be funding the Iranian opposition, strongly denying those claims and emphasizing what he described as the independence of the movement.
During the conversation, Jafarzadeh argued that the future of Iran will ultimately be determined by the Iranian people themselves, not by foreign military intervention. He said the rally in the United States was intended both to encourage protesters and resistance groups inside Iran and to remind policymakers in Washington that opposition movements believe change must come from within the country.
In the following interview, Jafarzadeh discusses the goals of the Iranian opposition, the role of resistance units inside Iran, and what he believes is necessary for political change in the country.
Amr Gohar:
Can you introduce yourself?
Alireza Jafarzadeh:
My name is Alireza Jafarzadeh, and I am the Deputy Director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which serves as a parliament in exile.
Amr Gohar:
What is happening today at this rally?
Jafarzadeh:
This rally, attended by Iranians and Americans coming from all over the United States, is meant to send a very strong message to the regime in Iran. No matter how many people the regime kills, the people of Iran are determined to bring it down. It is also a message of encouragement to the people inside Iran, especially those who are fighting the regime and members of the MEK resistance units operating there. At the same time, it is a message to the administration here in the United States. Ultimately, the only way to end the threat of the Iranian regime is through ending the regime itself, and that will happen through the Iranian people. There is no other path. The people of Iran have been fighting this system for more than 47 years, and they have paid a very high price. This is the moment when that struggle will reach its conclusion.
Amr Gohar:
What exactly do you want from the United States? Do you want American troops on the ground?
Jafarzadeh:
There is no need for boots on the ground in Iran because the Iranian people are already fighting on the ground. Just five days before the conflict started, the MEK resistance units launched an assault on the headquarters of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, inflicting heavy casualties on the Revolutionary Guards. This showed the people of Iran the power and determination of an organized resistance capable of bringing down the regime. It also showed the world that ultimately the future of Iran will be decided by the struggle between the Iranian people and the ruling regime. What we want from the United States administration is recognition of the Iranian people’s right to resist and the right of the resistance units to fight the Revolutionary Guards and eventually bring down the regime.
Amr Gohar:
Iran’s current leadership is striking the Gulf region heavily, including countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Where does the Iranian opposition stand on this?
Jafarzadeh:
The Arab nations in the region have long seen the Iranian regime as their number one enemy because it has repeatedly tried to destabilize their countries and the broader Middle East. The only way to achieve peace and stability in the region is to see an end to the rule of the clerics in Iran. That change will come through the Iranian people and the organized resistance movement.
Amr Gohar:
One final question, and you do not have to answer if you prefer not to. Some people claim that Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, have financially supported the Iranian opposition. Is that true?
Jafarzadeh:
The Iranian resistance has never been funded by any foreign power under any circumstances. This is an entirely independent movement that relies on the support of the Iranian people themselves.
Amr Gohar:
Thank you for your time.
Jafarzadeh:
Thank you. Good to see you again
Original article
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