Global Leaders and Dignitaries Endorse Iranian People’s Struggle for a Democratic Republic

Over 350 former heads of state, ministers, and lawmakers sign “Iran Stands at a Historic Crossroads,” backing the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan for a non-nuclear, democratic Iran.

PARIS — A significant coalition of over 350 international figures, including former heads of state, ministers, Nobel laureates, and lawmakers, has issued a joint statement titled “Iran Stands at a Historic Crossroads.” The document provides a ringing endorsement of the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and outlines a clear vision for the country’s political future.

Rejection of Dictatorship, Past and Present

The signatories commend the “courageous struggle” of the Iranian people, noting that nationwide uprisings have demonstrated a clear desire for a future founded on a democratic republic. Crucially, the statement emphasizes that the Iranian people reject both the current religious dictatorship and the previous authoritarian rule of the Shah, stating that they aspire to progress rather than a “return to the past”.

The leaders highlight the removal of Ali Khamenei—whom they hold responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands—as a “profoundly significant development”. However, they argue that sustainable regime change can only be achieved by the Iranian people and their organized resistance.

Endorsement of the NCRI and the Ten-Point Plan

The statement welcomes the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)’s announcement of a provisional government. This transitional body is tasked with transferring sovereignty to the people and establishing a democratic republic within six months through free and fair elections.

Central to this endorsement is Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, which has already garnered the support of over 4,000 legislators across the Atlantic. The plan’s core pillars include:

• Freedom of expression and assembly.
• Separation of religion and state.
• Gender equality and the recognition of autonomy for oppressed nationalities.
• Abolition of the death penalty.
• A commitment to a non-nuclear Iran.

A Coalition of Global Support

The signatories represent a diverse cross-section of the global political and legal community. Notable participants include:

• Former Heads of State: Including Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz (Poland), Luis Solís Rivera (Costa Rica), and Kersti Kaljulaid (Estonia).
• Nobel Laureates: Scientists Alan Heeger and Richard Roberts, and writer Elfriede Jelinek.
• Human Rights Experts: Former judges from the International Criminal Court and UN independent experts.

The NCRI, described as the “oldest democratic and independent coalition in Iran,” has affirmed that it seeks no financial assistance or foreign military presence on Iranian soil. The signatories conclude that supporting this movement is a “necessary step” toward establishing stability in Iran and promoting peace and coexistence throughout the Middle East.

The statement “Iran Stands at a Historic Crossroads” has been signed by a diverse group of over 350 global dignitaries. The following table categorizes the breadth of international support for the NCRI and Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan.