Interviews with Italian political figures underscore growing European backing for the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations, stronger pressure on Tehran, and support for a democratic alternative.
As international concern over Iran’s human rights crisis continues to grow, several prominent Italian political figures used interviews with Simay Azadi (Iran NTV) to express solidarity with the Iranian people and call for a democratic future. Their remarks, delivered following a series of events in Rome attended by international dignitaries, reflected a common message: lasting change in Iran must come through the Iranian people, supported by sustained international pressure on the ruling regime.
Although each interview approached the issue from a different perspective—ranging from human rights and economic governance to European foreign policy and democratic transition—the speakers agreed that Europe should adopt a firmer stance while supporting the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom.
Fabio Roscani: Standing with the Iranian People
Fabio Roscani, a member of the Italian Parliament, emphasized that support for the Iranian people’s struggle transcends party politics and reflects shared democratic values. He described the Iranian people’s resistance as a fight for universal principles such as liberty, democracy, and human dignity.
Roscani expressed solidarity with Iran’s youth and women, who have borne the brunt of state repression, and voiced support for the democratic aspirations represented by the Iranian Resistance. Addressing viewers in Iran directly, he encouraged them to maintain hope despite ongoing repression, assuring them that many in Italy and across Europe stand beside them in their pursuit of a peaceful and democratic future.
Carlo Cottarelli: Executions Reflect a Regime Under Pressure
Former Italian Prime Minister and economist Carlo Cottarelli focused on the regime’s escalating human rights abuses and deepening economic crisis.
He argued that the surge in executions should not be interpreted as a sign of strength but rather as evidence of a government struggling to maintain control. According to Cottarelli, authorities increasingly rely on fear and violence because they lack genuine political solutions to growing public discontent.
From an economic perspective, he attributed Iran’s chronic instability to decades of poor governance, structural mismanagement, and systemic corruption. Despite possessing vast natural resources, Iran has experienced prolonged inflation, unemployment, weak economic growth, and significant brain drain because of flawed policymaking.
Regarding Iran’s future, Cottarelli rejected both military intervention and policies of accommodation. Instead, he stressed that meaningful political change can only be achieved by the Iranian people themselves. He urged European governments to continue increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on the regime while consistently defending human rights. His message to Iranians was one of perseverance, encouraging them to continue their struggle for freedom and democracy.
Giulio Terzi: Europe Must Isolate Tehran and Support Democratic Transition
Former Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi described the Rome conference as an important demonstration of growing international support for democratic change in Iran.
He argued that years of negotiations and engagement with Tehran have failed to moderate the regime’s behavior, making a tougher European policy necessary. Terzi called for broader sanctions, greater diplomatic isolation, and stronger measures against networks that, in his view, support the regime’s influence and destabilizing activities abroad.
Terzi also praised Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, describing it as a comprehensive democratic roadmap based on political pluralism, freedom of religion, equal rights, the rule of law, and the rejection of nuclear weapons. He noted that this vision has gained increasing recognition among lawmakers in Europe and North America as a credible framework for a democratic Iran.
He further argued that Europe should communicate more clearly to its citizens why developments inside Iran directly affect regional and international security, maintaining that democratic change in Iran would contribute to broader stability beyond the country’s borders.
Antonio Razzi: A Historic Opportunity for Freedom
Former Italian senator Antonio Razzi expressed optimism that current developments present an unprecedented opportunity for democratic change in Iran.
He praised the determination of the Iranian people, noting that many have sacrificed their lives while resisting repression. Razzi also commended Maryam Rajavi’s leadership, describing her commitment as an important source of encouragement for those seeking political change.
Addressing the Iranian people directly, he encouraged them to continue their struggle despite the heavy cost, expressing confidence that their persistence would ultimately lead to freedom. He stressed that the desire for liberty, international engagement, and peaceful coexistence is shared by people everywhere and cannot be permanently suppressed.
Growing European Consensus
Taken together, the interviews highlighted an emerging consensus among these Italian political figures that Iran’s worsening human rights situation, economic decline, and regional policies require a stronger European response. While their emphasis differed—from economic reform to diplomatic strategy—they shared the view that sustainable democratic change must ultimately be driven by the Iranian people themselves.
Their statements also reflected growing support within parts of the European political establishment for policies that combine sustained international pressure with recognition of democratic alternatives, reinforcing calls for greater accountability over the regime’s human rights record and broader backing for the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom.
