Mehdi Abghaei: Berlin Rally Signals Iranian Push to Overthrow Regime

Mehdi Abghaei, a senior member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), hailed the massive Berlin rally on March 18th, which drew about 100,000 participants, as a pivotal demonstration of the Iranian people’s determination to overthrow the Velayat-e Faqih regime and achieve democratic reform.

Addressing the global significance of the event, Abghaei described the gathering as a “political earthquake” exposing the vulnerabilities of Tehran’s ruling clerics and confirming the Iranian Resistance as a fully organized democratic alternative capable of leading Iran toward freedom.

Despite harsh weather conditions, the rally brought together Iranians from the diaspora and the rebellious youth inside the country, confronting the regime’s oppressive apparatus with unwavering courage.

Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance for the transitional period, addressed the crowd, underscoring that the ongoing democratic movement is a structured path toward popular sovereignty, the establishment of a secular democratic republic, full equality, and the end of all forms of dictatorship under the slogan: ‘No to the Shah, No to the Mullahs.’

The event attracted prominent international figures, including Charles Michel and former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, signaling broad global recognition of the Iranian Resistance as the defining opposition force of the 21st century. Abghaei stressed that the era of appeasing Tehran’s rulers is over and that fundamental political change in Iran is crucial for regional and global stability.

Key demands from the demonstration included designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, closing the regime’s embassies, and prosecuting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior regime officials for crimes against humanity and genocide.

Abghaei highlighted the central role of women and youth in driving the democratic movement, calling their sacrifices the primary force paving the way toward a peaceful, non-nuclear Iran, free from oppression and foreign compromise.

He concluded that the Berlin rally sent a clear and decisive message: the Iranian people are determined to end the Velayat-e Faqih regime. The NCRI, with its extensive program and broad popular support, stands as the guarantor of a free, sovereign, and prosperous Iran.