Iran's Path to Change: Why Internal Resistance Matters

The struggle for change in Iran is complex. Many believe that outside forces can bring down the Iranian government. However, Maryam Rajavi, a prominent opposition leader, disagrees. She argues that real change must come from within Iran. Rajavi is the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). She believes that the Iranian regime is weak but not yet collapsing. She thinks that foreign military action or pressure alone won't topple the government. Instead, she says that a strong, organized resistance inside Iran is needed. This resistance must be ready to dismantle the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is a powerful and brutal force. Rajavi says that the regime's survival depends on the IRGC. Therefore, removing the IRGC is crucial for change. The NCRI has been preparing for this moment for years. Rajavi says that the NCRI has the practical readiness to manage the post-overthrow period. They have a plan for a peaceful transition. This plan includes forming a provisional government and organizing free elections.Rajavi also talks about the resistance inside Iran. She says that the resistance is not just symbolic or propaganda. It is a movement that has endured for decades. The resistance has faced brutal repression but continues to grow. The regime is well aware of the resistance's strength. It has tried to demonize and discredit the resistance. Despite these efforts, the resistance continues to mobilize people and sustain morale. Rajavi's vision for a post-regime Iran includes gender equality, separation of religion and state, and minority rights. She says that these plans are not just theoretical. They are backed by experts and academics who have been working on implementation. In conclusion, Rajavi believes that change in Iran must come from within. She rejects both appeasement and war as solutions. Instead, she advocates for a "third option" — regime change led by the Iranian people and organized resistance.