Bipartisan Support in Congress Strengthens Iranian Resistance Movement Amidst Regime Unrest

Bipartisan Support in Congress Strengthens Iranian Resistance Movement Amidst Regime Unrest

FIRST ON FOX: A group of 151 lawmakers is uniting in a bipartisan effort to advocate for the Iranian resistance movement, coinciding with a hearing featuring an opposition leader.

Guided by Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., this resolution conveys strong backing for the Iranian populace and their aspiration for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran through regime change.

The resolution underscores that recent events have reinforced the notion that terrorism and conflict in the Middle East predominantly stem from the theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran.

This statement directly criticizes the oppressive measures employed by the Iranian regime, calling for solidarity with opposition forces and urging world leaders to maintain and enhance sanctions against Iran.

The text of the resolution reflects a growing concern among U.S. lawmakers about the regime’s actions, highlighting that prior efforts by Western nations to influence the regime’s behavior over 45 years have largely failed. It posits that the route to curbing Iranian threats lies in establishing a secular, democratic, pluralistic republic, led by the Iranian people and their resistance movements.

President Donald Trump has approached the topic of regime change cautiously, expressing reservations about the United States’ deep involvement in Iran’s internal politics. He previously remarked that the U.S. cannot become overly entangled, stressing the complexities involved.

Furthermore, the resolution mentions alarming developments under President Masoud Pezeshkian, starting from July 28, 2024, citing over 500 executions of political prisoners, including at least 17 women, alongside a surge in hand amputations.

This legislative initiative also expresses support for Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a prominent resistance group known as MEK among Iranians. Rajavi’s 10-point plan aims to establish democracy, a secular government, and uphold human rights in Iran. Her proposal has garnered the backing of 4,000 legislators across the globe, advocating for the NCRI to serve as a transitional government for six months to facilitate elections and the formation of a constituent assembly.

The resolution was introduced just ahead of a significant hearing titled “The Future of Iran” scheduled for 2 p.m., organized by the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus. Rajavi, a prominent figure often targeted by Iranian terror plots and smear campaigns, is expected to provide essential testimony during the session.

This latest push follows the Trump administration’s strategy of reinforcing sanctions, originally aimed at crippling Iran’s financial capacity while avoiding direct efforts to galvanize internal Iranian resistance. Opponents argue that circumstances have changed since then, as the Iranian regime appears considerably weakened—particularly after setbacks in Syria where Bashar al-Assad lost control and Israel targeted its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah. Recent protests across Iran highlight the discontent featuring the nation’s deepening financial crisis.

Rajavi plans to assert that the Iranian government is at its most vulnerable stage in decades, expressing that the predicament of Iranian society is rife with volatility. She suggests that the religious leadership has never faced such fragility in its 46 years of rule.

Rajavi points to the overwhelming dissatisfaction within Iranian society, fueled by anger and a spirit of rebellion. This resentment is magnified through the efforts of Resistance Units and tenacious youth who oppose governmental corruption and economic mismanagement, especially following the downfall of Assad and the loss of the regime’s advantages in the region.

This resolution is likely to provoke strong reactions from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Iranian regime, as well as from supporters of Reza Pahlavi II, whose family ruled Iran until the 1979 revolution. Many Pahlavi supporters vocally oppose the NCRI and advocate for a return to monarchy.

During the hearing, Rajavi will advocate for the reinstatement of United Nations snapback sanctions, which were relaxed under the 2015 nuclear agreement, emphasizing the need to label the Iranian regime as a threat to global peace under the Chapter VII provisions of the U.N. Charter. This move also seeks formal recognition of the resistance movement advocating for regime change in Iran.

Rajavi will honor two key resistance figures, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, both sentenced to death for allegedly leading rebellions and being affiliated with MEK. She mentions that the U.N. has urged Iran to halt their executions, emphasizing a tragic history where 120,000 individuals have fallen victim to politically motivated executions throughout the regime’s four-decade rule.

The hearings take place against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s commitment to reestablish maximum pressure sanctions, coupled with fresh offensives targeting Iranian oil transport. Trump has stated a willingness to negotiate with Iran but maintains that the regime must first withdraw its pressure tactics.

Iran has repeated its stance on nuclear negotiations, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declaring that there can be no talks while maximum pressure persists. He clarifies the Iranian position by reaffirming their refusal to engage under such coercive conditions.

Strengthening the Call for Change in Iran

This bipartisan effort highlights the ongoing dialogue and pressure for change within Iran, reflecting both domestic and international calls for reform. As lawmakers continue to engage on this critical issue, the international community is reminded of the potential for significant shifts in Iranian politics.