Iranian Opposition Leader Says Regime Change Must Come from Within, Not Foreign Intervention

By Amr Gohar

Washington, D.C. –  An Iranian opposition leader has said that ongoing regional tensions and internal pressures are accelerating challenges facing Tehran, while emphasizing that any political change must come from within the country rather than through foreign military action.

Mohammad Mohaddessin, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said in remarks published in a European outlet that external military pressure alone would not lead to the collapse of Iran’s ruling system.

According to Mohaddessin, while sanctions and military developments may weaken the government, what he described as “decisive change” depends on internal dynamics, including public discontent and organized opposition networks operating داخل the country.

He rejected the idea of foreign intervention, saying that any attempt at external military involvement would be both ineffective and unacceptable, arguing that Iran’s size and population make such scenarios unrealistic.

Mohaddessin also suggested that internal pressures could intensify in the event of a ceasefire, saying that reduced external tensions may shift focus back to domestic issues and increase scrutiny over economic and political conditions.

The opposition figure pointed to activities attributed to resistance groups, including the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, as evidence of ongoing internal opposition. He also referenced recent executions of individuals linked to such groups, describing them as indicative of heightened tensions.

He called on European countries to take a stronger stance in support of what he described as the Iranian people’s right to political change, including backing a transitional framework proposed by Maryam Rajavi, which aims to establish a democratic system.

Mohaddessin added that the opposition seeks to avoid a return to previous forms of governance, stressing that the goal is a system based on elections and public participation.

Iranian authorities have not responded to these specific claims, and independent verification of several assertions remains limited.