On April 15, I took part in a discussion in the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) with representatives of the Iranian opposition, including Shirin Ebadi, Mustafa Hijri, Abdullah Mohtadi, Saeed Bashirtash, and Sanaz Behzadi. Link to the session.
They gave a stark assessment of the situation in Iran: the regime is intensifying repression, shutting down the internet, and increasing the number of executions. At the same time, many people continue to fight for freedom, dignity, and democracy. They also made clear how crucial it is to bring the perspectives of Iranian society back into the European debate and to make visible a reality shaped both by external conflict and internal repression.
These are exactly the voices missing from the current negotiations. I stressed this point in my speech. Neither the proposals from the United States nor those of the Iranian regime address the core demands of the people in Iran. As long as negotiations ignore this reality, they will be neither sustainable nor politically legitimate.
That’s why we must listen, amplify these voices, and place human rights at the center of our policies.
Exchange with the Gulf Cooperation Council – Cooperation for De-escalation
I also raised these points the same day in an exchange with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In my discussion with Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, I emphasized that closer cooperation between the EU and the Gulf states can play an important role in achieving de-escalation and a ceasefire based on international law. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the human rights situation in the region. Security and human rights are not in contradiction – they depend on one another.
Interview with Al Jazeera – Keeping the Focus on the People of Iran
The day before, I delivered the same message in an interview with Al Jazeera. Current plans ignore the reality of people in Iran. They overlook what matters most: the release of political prisoners, an end to executions, free access to the internet, and a genuine prospect for democratic participation. War without a clear political objective – and without a perspective for the people of Iran – will not lead to lasting change.
The future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran.
But we have a responsibility to make their voices heard.
Baraye Azadi.
