Support for the Nationwide Protests in Iran and the Necessity of Political Action
The nationwide protests that began in Iran on 28 December 2025 are neither temporary nor emotional in nature. Rather, they reflect a deep and structural conflict between society and the ruling authorities. The people of Iran are clearly demanding an end to the current repressive regime and the establishment of a free, secular, and democratic system founded on the rule of law.
The response of the Islamic republic to these legitimate demands has been organized and systematic violence, including brutal crackdowns, mass arrests, torture, and the issuance of death sentences. This pattern was previously witnessed during the protests following the killing of Jina (Mahsa) Amini and is now continuing with greater intensity and on a broader scale.
The ongoing developments in Iran are not merely an internal matter or one limited to human rights concerns. Instability in Iran carries direct security, migration, and political consequences for Europe and the international community. Supporting a democratic transition in Iran is, in effect, an investment in regional stability, the reduction of the drivers of forced migration, and the strengthening of security in Europe and globally.
We, Iranian-origin citizens residing in Europe and supporters of democracy and human rights, are following developments in Iran with deep concern. We call upon public opinion and policymakers—particularly in Europe—to adopt a clear, responsible, and effective position in response to this situation. In particular, we urge them to:
- Recognize the current protests as legitimate social/political demands;
- Explicitly condemn the state violence exercised by the Islamic Republic of Iran;
- Employ political, diplomatic, and legal instruments to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable;
- Strengthen dialogue and engagement with pro-democracy forces of the Iranian opposition in exile.
Within this framework, dialogue with Mr. Reza Pahlavi, as the most recognized and influential figure of the opposition, can represent a pragmatic step toward examining scenarios for an orderly political transition and preventing instability and large-scale migratory waves, without any prejudice regarding the form or system of Iran’s future governance.
Now is not the time for silence or ambiguous positions. Standing with the people of Iran is both a defense of democratic values and a means of safeguarding the long-term interests of Europe and the international community.
WLF WomanLifeFreedomEurope e. V.