At the “Iran Beyond War – Human Rights and the Power of the People as the Solution” conference in Rome, former UK Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox argued that decades of appeasement have strengthened the Iranian regime, insisting that only the Iranian people can achieve lasting peace through democratic change.
Sir Liam Fox: Appeasement Has Fueled the Iranian Regime’s Threats
ROME – Speaking at the conference “Iran Beyond War – Human Rights and the Power of the People as the Solution” in Rome, former British Defence Secretary and former Secretary of State for International Trade Sir Liam Fox delivered a forceful critique of decades of Western appeasement toward the Iranian regime, arguing that only democratic regime change led by the Iranian people can bring peace, stability, and respect for human rights.
Addressing an audience of international lawmakers, political leaders, and supporters of the Iranian Resistance, Fox rejected the notion that negotiations alone can resolve the crisis surrounding Iran. Instead, he maintained that the regime’s nature makes meaningful reform impossible and warned against repeating the mistakes of previous diplomatic initiatives.
The JCPOA: A Failed Policy of Appeasement
Fox began by reflecting on the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), describing it as a deeply flawed agreement whose consequences continue to destabilize the Middle East.
“The JCPOA was not only, in my view, an act of appeasement. It was so fundamentally flawed that it has led us to where we are today.”
According to Fox, the agreement released vast financial resources to the regime without requiring improvements in its domestic conduct or ending its nuclear ambitions.
He argued that the deal merely delayed the nuclear issue while ignoring Tehran’s human rights record and enabling the regime to expand its regional influence.
“The consequences of the JCPOA,” he said, included increased funding for the regime’s proxy groups, continued investment in missile and drone technology, further advancement of its nuclear program, and ongoing human rights abuses.
No Lasting Peace Without Regime Change
Rejecting the idea that multiple diplomatic options remain available, Fox insisted that only one path can bring lasting stability.
“There is only one single solution to the Iranian problem, and that is regime change.”
He argued that expecting the ruling establishment to reform itself ignores the ideological foundations on which it survives.
“Those in the regime cannot change because if they do, they will become a totally different entity.”
Fox also warned governments against believing that a weakened regime is necessarily a less dangerous one.
“Just because the regime is weaker does not make it less dangerous than it has been in the past.”
He cautioned that instability within the ruling establishment could increase regional risks, particularly through threats to international shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and continued disruption in the Red Sea.
Human Rights Must Not Be Ignored
A central theme of Fox’s speech was the international community’s failure to consistently confront the Iranian regime over its human rights violations.
He criticized what he described as selective outrage in parts of the West, noting that Tehran’s record of executions, repression, and political persecution has often received less public attention than other international crises.
Fox argued that overlooking these abuses has allowed the regime to continue suppressing its own population while expanding destabilizing activities abroad.
Supporting the Iranian People’s Struggle
Looking ahead, Fox expressed confidence that the Iranian people will ultimately determine their country’s future.
“There will be an uprising and there will be a free Iran.”
He urged the international community to prepare for that moment by increasing pressure on the regime through stronger measures, including sanctions where necessary, while recognizing the sacrifices already made by the Iranian people.
“We should not be weak in our resolve when they are strong in theirs.”
Fox stressed that democratic transformation cannot be imposed from outside.
“Freedom does not fall from the skies. It never has. Freedom comes from the ground up.”
While international support is important, he emphasized that the responsibility for rebuilding Iran ultimately belongs to its own citizens.
A Democratic Republic Free from Dictatorship
Concluding his remarks, Fox endorsed the vision of a democratic republic based on popular sovereignty rather than dictatorship in any form.
“Only the Iranian people can reclaim their birthright of freedom and self-determination.”
He added that only the Iranian people can establish:
“A democratic republic free from the twin oppressions, the oppressions of the mullahs and the oppressions of monarchs.”
Fox concluded by expressing confidence that Iran’s rich history, culture, and democratic aspirations provide the foundation for a free future, urging Iranians to shape not only their own destiny but also contribute to a more peaceful and secure world.
