This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
The Iranian people's struggle for freedom and democracy has captured the attention of global public opinion and resonated with the conscience of individuals across various continents. The introduction of Resolution No. 166 in the U.S. Congress stands as a testament to this growing international awareness. Signed by over 150 members from both the Republican and Democratic parties, this resolution reaffirms the legitimacy of the Iranian people's demand for the establishment of a democratic and secular republic.
Historical and political context of the resolution
Resolution 166 was adopted at a time when the ruling religious dictatorship in Iran is facing an unprecedented crisis. Iranian society is on the brink of eruption, and after 46 years of oppressive rule, the regime has never been this fragile or vulnerable – particularly following the collapse of Syria's dictatorship and the loss of its "strategic depth" in the region.
The clerical regime is besieged on multiple fronts:
In a desperate bid to maintain its grip on power, the regime has escalated executions and repression. In the past year alone, 1,000 people were executed. On Feb. 26, "Bloody Wednesday," another 20 individuals were put to death. Reports indicate that in the first two months of 2025, an additional 100 executions have taken place.
A force on the ground: The key to change
While maximum pressure against this regime helps the Iranian people in their fight to liberate Iran and the region from a brutal fundamentalist dictatorship, it is not enough to bring about its overthrow. For real change to occur, an organized resistance movement and a force on the ground are essential.
The resistance movement inside Iran, consisting of resistance units operating nationwide, is actively confronting the regime. These units, working under the leadership of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI, carry out bold actions against the misogynistic dictatorship, challenging its oppressive rule.
The pivotal role of women in the democratic resistance
The U.S. House's Resolution 166 specifically underscores the central role of Iranian women and girls in the struggle against the religious dictatorship. A section of the resolution states:
"Iranian women and girls have been the primary targets of repression by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and, as such, have become key elements of the resistance against this misogynistic regime. They have chanted slogans against the government and for freedom, including 'Woman, Resistance, Freedom.'"
Support for Maryam Rajavi's Ten-Point Plan
America's Declaration of Independence asserts that when any form of government violates fundamental freedoms, the people have the right to alter or overthrow it and establish a new government. In the same way, the Iranian people have the inherent right to replace their oppressive regime with a democratic system. Recognizing the role of the Iranian resistance in this process is essential.
Resolution 166's explicit endorsement of Maryam Rajavi's Ten-Point Plan is a key highlight. This plan presents a comprehensive vision for Iran's future after the fall of the religious dictatorship. It upholds universal human rights values, advocating for:
These principles align with the longstanding demands of the Iranian people. Over 4,000 parliamentarians worldwide, including 243 members of the U.S. Congress, 33 legislative bodies, 130 former world leaders and 80 Nobel laureates have endorsed this plan – a testament to its global credibility.
A roadmap for real change
Far more than just a political declaration, this plan serves as a practical roadmap for Iran's democratic transition. By emphasizing this framework, Resolution 166 calls on the international community to take a more active role in supporting the process of regime change by the Iranian people themselves.
Unlike military interventions or foreign-imposed solutions, this approach prioritizes empowering the Iranian people themselves and strengthening domestic resistance movements. As a result, Resolution 166 carries significant moral and political legitimacy, reinforcing the call for a free, democratic and secular Iran.
