Meeting opposition to Iran’s Islamic regime

For decades, U.S. engagement with Iran has been narrowly focused on nuclear negotiations and regional security, almost exclusively through diplomatic channels controlled by the Islamic Republic. But what if American policymakers charted a new path—one that acknowledges and amplifies the voices of the Iranian people themselves? What if U.S. leaders chose to engage with the true and diverse representatives of Iran—those who envision a secular, democratic, and inclusive future beyond theocracy?

Such a shift would reflect the reality on the ground and empower a new generation of Iranians who have risked their lives for freedom. Since the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising, the world has witnessed the extraordinary courage and moral clarity of ordinary Iranians. From the streets of Tehran to exile communities abroad, the call is clear: Iranians want a secular democracy rooted in human rights and peaceful coexistence.

Independent studies suggest that 80–90% of Iranians reject the Islamic regime. They see it not only as corrupt and oppressive but also as ideologically rigid and incapable of meeting the nation’s needs. There is widespread demand for a national referendum—free and fair elections to determine the country’s political future.

The United States shares core values with the Iranian opposition such as democracy, liberty, equality, pluralism, and tolerance. One could argue that the most effective and least costly way for the U.S. to address the Iran challenge is not through military action or endless negotiations with unelected clerics, but by supporting the Iranian people’s fight for self-determination. This support need not be material. It begins with recognition—acknowledging the legitimacy of the opposition and facilitating the creation of a broad, unified front against the regime. If embraced, such a strategy could be transformational.

Yet unity remains the opposition’s greatest challenge. While diverse groups share a common goal—ending the Islamic Republic—they remain fragmented. Internal divisions persist, fueled in part by a lack of collaborative political culture and the regime’s relentless propaganda, which fosters mistrust and infighting. Too often, opposition figures spend more time attacking each other than confronting the regime. There is a pressing need for structured dialogue, coalition-building, and strategic planning.

One major fault line within the opposition concerns Iran’s future system of government—monarchy versus republic. Both sides agree the issue should be decided by a national referendum after the regime’s fall. However, their failure to postpone this debate has obstructed the kind of unified front necessary for real change.

The Iranian opposition needs a third-party convener—neutral, respected, and inclusive—to bring stakeholders together. A transitional council must be formed that reflects Iran’s diversity: monarchists, republicans, feminists, labor organizers, ethnic minorities, artists, human rights advocates, and journalists. This body could craft a shared vision for Iran’s democratic transition and present a unified voice to the international community.

What if the U.S. State Department helped facilitate such a gathering? What if American politicians met not only with representatives of the Islamic regime but with representatives of the Iranian people? Publicly affirming the desire to listen to the real voices of Iran—those advocating for freedom, equality, and democracy—would deal a symbolic blow to the regime while helping the opposition build legitimacy, cohesion, and momentum.

History offers valuable lessons. In Chile, leftists and conservatives set aside ideological differences to form a broad coalition that defeated General Pinochet through the 1988 referendum. Their unity, focused messaging, and strategic clarity were essential. Iranian monarchists and republicans could do the same—agree to postpone their disagreements and unite around a single objective: ending the Islamic Republic.

Trust-building, mutual respect, and a focus on shared principles are the foundation of such unity. Until that happens, fragmentation remains the regime’s greatest weapon. But the United States, with no cost and no troops, can help neutralize that weapon—by choosing to engage not just with a regime, but with a people ready for freedom.

Dr. Fariba Parsa holds a Ph.D. in social science, specializing in Iranian politics with a focus on political Islam, democracy, and human rights. She is the author of Fighting for Change in Iran: The Women, Life, Freedom Philosophy against Political Islam. Dr. Parsa is also the founder and president of Women’s E-Learning in Leadership (WELL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in Iran and Afghanistan through online leadership education and training.