Trump’s Iran Dilemma

Supporting Democratic Resistance is the Only Viable Path

President Donald Trump has long championed a hardline stance against Iran, vowing to curb its nuclear ambitions and regional aggression. His administration reinstated sweeping sanctions under the "maximum pressure" campaign, seeking to force Tehran into negotiations. However, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has categorically rejected diplomacy with Washington, proving that engagement with the current regime is not just futile but counterproductive. In light of this reality, the United States must acknowledge the Iranian people's right to resist oppression and embrace an alternative strategy—one that aligns with the democratic aspirations of Iranians and their movement for regime change.

A Failing Strategy: The Myth of Negotiations

Despite efforts to engage Iran through economic and diplomatic pressures, the regime remains resolute in its defiance. The Iranian leadership has explicitly stated that it will not negotiate with the United States, countering Trump's envisioned approach. Past negotiations, such as the 2015 nuclear deal, have only provided Iran with breathing room to escalate its nuclear program and embolden its malign regional activities. Today, intelligence reports confirm that the regime is accelerating its nuclear weaponization efforts, posing a grave threat to global security and the stability of the Middle East.

At the same time, Iran's economy is in a state of collapse, with citizens taking to the streets in daily protests against government mismanagement, corruption, and repression. Strikes by pensioners, healthcare workers, and other sectors illustrate a society at a breaking point. The people of Iran are not just protesting poor economic conditions—they are demanding a fundamental change. Their message is clear: "No to the Shah, No to the Mullahs—Yes to a Democratic Republic."

The Alternative: Mrs. Rajavi’s Democratic Solution

Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), has laid out a concrete and viable roadmap for Iran’s future. Her Ten-Point Plan calls for a secular, democratic republic founded on universal suffrage, gender equality, human rights, and a non-nuclear Iran. This vision has received widespread support from former world leaders, parliamentarians, and democracy advocates across the globe.

Unlike futile negotiations, which have repeatedly failed to produce lasting change, Mrs. Rajavi’s plan addresses the root cause of Iran’s instability—the regime itself. The Iranian people's ongoing uprisings have demonstrated that they are willing to take the lead in dismantling theocracy and establishing a democratic alternative. What they need is international recognition and support.

The February 8 rally in Paris provided undeniable proof of the NCRI’s ability to mobilize large-scale movements, with thousands of expatriates gathering in solidarity. These exiles, unable to return home due to the regime’s oppressive policies, are part of a broader resistance network that extends deep into Iranian society.

The scale and organization of the Paris demonstration suggest that, if not for the regime’s brutal crackdowns and mass executions, millions inside Iran would take to the streets in defiance. The unwavering commitment of those who participated in the rally is a testament to the strength of a movement that can achieve even greater momentum inside Iran—if given the space to breathe. This potential for change, suppressed by fear and repression, is precisely why international support is crucial. It is not a matter of whether Iranians will rise, but rather whether the free world will stand with them when they do.

Why Regime Change is the Only Path to Stability

A regime that funds terrorist proxies, suppresses its own citizens, and actively undermines peace in the region cannot be rehabilitated through negotiations. Tehran’s aggressive military expansion, including missile development and proxy warfare in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, has destabilized the Middle East for decades. A democratic Iran, however, would be a pillar of stability rather than a driver of conflict.

Furthermore, a free Iran would eliminate the existential threat posed by the regime’s nuclear ambitions. While Western diplomats continue to debate over containment policies, Iran’s nuclear program advances unchecked. The only way to ensure that Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons is to replace the regime with a government committed to non-proliferation and regional cooperation.

A Call to Action for the United States

President Trump and other U.S. policymakers must recognize that supporting the Iranian resistance is the most effective strategy to counter the regime’s threats. Rather than entertaining another round of fruitless diplomacy, the U.S. should take decisive steps:

1. Officially recognize the NCRI and the Iranian resistance as the legitimate representatives of the Iranian people seeking “Regime Change”.
2. Expand targeted sanctions against regime leaders while increasing support for opposition groups.
3. Blacklist the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization worldwide.
4. Work with European and Middle Eastern allies to isolate the regime.
5. Hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights violations and ensure this issue remains central in international policy discussions.

Conclusion

Mrs. Rajavi’s proposed solution is not just the best option—it is the only viable option. The Iranian people have shown their determination to resist tyranny, and the world must stand with them. President Trump has a historic opportunity to shift U.S. policy in a direction that does not repeat past mistakes. By backing Iran’s democratic resistance instead of engaging in futile negotiations, the U.S. can help secure not only the freedom of the Iranian people but also lasting peace and security for the Middle East.

The Iranian regime is on borrowed time. The question now is whether the free world, particularly the United States, will seize this moment to stand on the right side of history.