National Unity, an Essential Condition for the Survival of the Country, by Iran Freedom Movement
Statement of the Iran Freedom Movement, March 19, 2026
Translated by Tlaxcala
The Iran Freedom Movement [Nehzate Azadi Iran] is a political party with a religious-nationalist orientation. It was founded in Tehran in 1961 by Mehdi Bazargan, Yadollah Sahabi, and Mahmoud Taleghani. At the time of its founding, Bazargan declared: “We are Muslims, Iranians, defenders of the constitution, and supporters of Mossadegh.” It is one of the oldest registered parties in the country and is regarded as a loyal opposition to the ruling regime.
In the name of God
The devastating and destructive war that the governments of Israel and the United States launched amid diplomatic negotiations with Iran, effectively preventing a peaceful political agreement, and which has so far resulted in the martyrdom of over 1,500 Iranian citizens, including some civilian and military officials, along with widespread destruction of military, law enforcement, security, cultural, and even economic and industrial sites in Iran and the region, has violated the right to life and disregarded the human dignity of the Iranian nation. It has left a profound psychological impact on the people and has brought severe environmental consequences. As this war approaches its twentieth day since the start of the conflict, not only is there no constructive and positive outlook, but the intensity of attacks and threats from official authorities of the warring parties has increased in recent days.
The Iran Freedom Movement, while emphasizing its absolute condemnation of the war and recommending its cessation at the earliest possible time in a manner that ensures the protection of national interests, sustainable security, territorial integrity, the realization of independence and national sovereignty, and efforts to prevent its recurrence in the future, and recalling that no reason or occasion should be interpreted as justifying or encouraging the continuation of this imposed destructive war, appreciates the national defense, services, sacrifices, bravery, and leadership of the soldiers and commanders defending the homeland. It offers condolences to the families of the victims and martyrs of this unjust and inhumane war and prays to Almighty God to grant them patience in their loss.
The Iran Freedom Movement, while maintaining its longstanding criticisms of the official policies of the system in domestic and international arenas, and despite serious critiques and objections regarding death-defying slogans, the decision-making structure, and the performance of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s establishment—which over the past four decades has led to the imposition and intensification of unjust sanctions and severe international isolation of Iran, and has disrupted the process of transition to democracy and sustainable and balanced development—emphasizes that war was never the desire of the Iranian nation or government. In this regard, in addition to condemning the war, it calls upon civil institutions, human rights organizations, governments defending democracy, and world public opinion to mount a widespread and effective reaction against the warmongering policies and actions of the United States and Israel.
The Iran Freedom Movement recalls that the two recent wars that occurred against Iran this year were a premeditated plan designed to enable the continuation of right-wing rule in Israel and secure the increasing economic, military, and security interests of the United States in the region. Therefore, it notes that Iran’s initiative for an immediate ceasefire is not only evaluated as a humane and peaceful action consistent with moral values and Iran’s national interests, but also disrupts and renders moot the strategic plan of Iran’s enemies. In this respect, it can be considered an effective, comprehensive, and strategic success for Iran.
The Iran Freedom Movement proposes that the authorities currently considered the center of governance in Iran take the initiative and voluntarily declare a one-day limited ceasefire on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz. This action, in addition to clearly demonstrating the Iranian government’s inclination towards peace and exposing the aggressive governments’ warmongering nature to world public opinion, does not conflict with Iran’s national defense and would not constitute surrender; because if attacks are repeated by the United States and Israel, Iran retains the right and capacity for reciprocal action against the global anti-peace aggressors.
The Iran Freedom Movement, emphasizing peace as a universal and moral value aligned with a rational and compassionate reading of the Holy Quran, recalls that the most fundamental form of national defense is to impose peace on warmongering and exploitative powers like Israel and the United States. Therefore, while emphasizing an immediate ceasefire must be coupled with effective deterrence and obtaining necessary guarantees to prevent a recurrence of war against Iran, it is not necessary to make this goal a precondition for the ceasefire, which would provide an excuse for the continuation of the warmongering policies and programs of Trump and Netanyahu. This stated goal, along with Iran’s other rights and demands, can achieve lasting success if it is made part of future diplomatic negotiations, ultimately leading to the signing of a specific and robust “non-aggression” or “cessation of military hostilities” treaty between Iran and other countries, including the United States and its allies. Otherwise, it will be a weak condition that can be ignored by world powers at any moment. It is evident that demonstrating Iran’s national defense strength has taught Trump and Netanyahu not to harbor futile fantasies and to take Iran’s resistance capability seriously.
The Iran Freedom Movement recalls that the government of Iran is committed to upholding the “principles of negative balance and positive neutrality,” which were the basis of Mosaddegh’s national government’s foreign policy and were subsequently agreed upon in the international system by independence-seeking, justice-oriented, and peace-loving nations, and were accepted in the constitution of the Islamic Republic under the title of “strategic policy of neither East nor West.” Therefore, it advises the Iranian establishment to diligently avoid policies of alignment and dependence on the East, ensuring that in the competition among world powers, the country’s national position and capacities are not instrumentally abused for the benefit of certain other powers, and that Iran does not become a proxy force to confront and intervene in the relations and rivalries of global powers. This would pave the way for cooperation and constructive relations with the entire world towards peace, development, and Iran’s national security.
The Iran Freedom Movement warns that the two recent wars have shown that the strategic goal of the governments attacking Iran is not limited to changing the regime and overthrowing the country’s political system. Israel, in particular, seeks the disintegration of the land and the very existence called “Iran.” Fueling the escalation of internal violence, imposing pure militarism on Iran’s governance structure, and negating the principle of republicanism will pave the way for the fulfillment of the enemies’ sinister goals. Therefore, it recalls that the foundation of national defense lies in achieving sustainable national security. The prerequisite for overcoming the current immense and complex crises is not limited to missile and military power alone; rather, it must be achieved alongside honoring fundamental freedoms, strengthening the foundations of democracy, returning to the people, and enabling genuine national solidarity by realizing fundamental rights, popular sovereignty, strengthening civil society institutions, and facilitating the participation of parties, civil institutions, and national figures.
The Iran Freedom Movement recalls that nothing can be achieved without the people’s support, whether in wartime or peacetime. Sustainable security and national defense cannot be realized without the centrality of the people, nor does transition to economic and industrial development and progress seem feasible or realistic in the absence of the people’s power. Establishing a comprehensive, independent national institution, separate from the government, is the only way to convey the voice of the Iranian people to the world. Such an institution would possess the capacity to influence domestic and international arenas and could force Iran’s enemies and their affiliated influence networks into retreat and passivity. Therefore, it is expected that political parties and civil activists, preserving their spirit and hope for Iran’s salvation and recalling the painful and sorrowful history of our homeland—manifested in its culture, poetry, and music—will strive to establish a broad front for the solidarity of the Iranian nation. This front should represent the national will and embody all democratic, non-violent, law-abiding, justice-seeking political tendencies and perspectives that believe in the principles of human rights and remain loyal to Iran’s survival.
The Iran Freedom Movement requests from compatriots, especially those outside the country, who beat the drum of violence and intimidation and encourage and support destructive attacks against Iran, to refrain from excitement and haste. They should know that such positions, even if realized, would neither be beneficial nor in the interest of national sovereignty, the establishment of democracy and justice in Iran, and would result in nothing but escalating violence, the rule of reactionary forces, the consolidation of despotism and autocracy, disregard for human capital, the destruction of the country’s vast industrial and economic infrastructure, and the victimization of thousands of our fellow citizens.
