Former UK Speaker Backs Maryam Rajavi’s Vision for Iran

Former UK House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has voiced strong support for the Iranian opposition movement led by Maryam Rajavi, arguing that the international community should back the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a viable democratic alternative to the current Iranian leadership.

Speaking about Iran’s political future, Bercow described the ruling authorities in Tehran as a “thuggish, terrorist” and even “fascistic” regime that he believes is increasingly fragile. He said the key issue facing the international community is identifying a credible alternative capable of guiding Iran toward democracy.

Bercow said he fully supports the vision outlined by Maryam Rajavi, who leads the NCRI and has long advocated for democratic reform in Iran.

The former British parliamentary speaker also dismissed the idea that Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last monarch, could represent a meaningful alternative to the current system.

According to Bercow, returning to monarchy would represent a step backward rather than a path toward democratic progress. He argued that Pahlavi lacks a significant support base inside Iran and is primarily known internationally as the former Shah’s son.

Bercow also questioned what he described as the absence of a record of public service or sacrifice in support of Iranian freedom.

He further criticized Pahlavi’s previous remarks regarding Kurdish communities, saying that labeling Kurds as “separatists” demonstrated insufficient sensitivity toward Iran’s diverse ethnic groups.

In contrast, Bercow described Rajavi’s leadership as representing a structured and credible democratic movement. He pointed to her political platform, particularly the Ten-Point Plan, which proposes a democratic republic based on civil liberties, rule of law, free media, and the separation of religion and state.

The plan also calls for the establishment of a non-nuclear Iran, the abolition of the death penalty, and guarantees of rights and protections for ethnic minorities.

Bercow noted that Rajavi’s proposal includes a six-month transitional period leading to democratic elections following political change.

He concluded by urging international audiences to reject any form of authoritarian rule in Iran, whether under religious leadership or a return to monarchy.

“Dictatorship must be rejected whether it comes with a crown or a turban,” Bercow said, calling on governments and policymakers to support the NCRI’s proposed provisional government as a pathway toward democratic transformation in Iran.