Leading Iranian Voices Urge Dialogue, Reform, and National Unity Amidst Challenges
TEHRAN, Iran – A powerful statement signed by 14 prominent Iranian figures residing outside the country has called for an end to violence, condemned foreign interference, and championed the right to peaceful protest within Iran. Titled “A Statement by 14 Signatories Condemning Violence and Foreign Intervention and Defending the Iranian People’s Protests,” the document offers critical advice and concerns addressed to Iran’s current authorities.
The signatories, driven by a shared commitment to humanity, Iranian identity, national-religious values, and the homeland, outlined eight key points to navigate the nation’s current challenges. The statement is dated Sunday, January 18, 2026.
A Call for Accountability and End to Violence
The statement opens by expressing profound sorrow over recent events marked by distressing violence and bloodshed across Iran. Emphasizing the sanctity of human life, drawing on religious texts (Quran 5:32), it asserts that the killing of even one person is akin to killing all humanity. The signatories stressed that current authorities are obligated, by reason, law, and religious principles, to manage social crises in a manner that prevents bloodshed and harm to individuals. They observed that the frequent escalation of collective protests into violence points to a “crisis and chronic lack of competence” in resolving such situations.
Denouncing Foreign Interference and External Exploitation
The statement reports “violent intervention by Israeli agents and groups with a history of criminality and terror in recent protests.” It cites statements from figures like Netanyahu, former Israeli and U.S. officials, and reports from the Rajavi group’s media as corroborating evidence of “violent foreign intervention aimed at undermining security, spreading terror, committing crimes, and inciting urban unrest.” While acknowledging that the full scope of these interventions remains unclear, the signatories firmly stated that such external actions in no way diminish, but rather amplify, the responsibility of senior governmental, intelligence, and security officials within the country.
Crucially, the statement unequivocally condemns any foreign interference in Iran. It labels Israel, recognized by the global human rights community as a “genocidal and apartheid regime,” as incapable of acting in the best interest of Iran or any other nation. Similarly, it portrays the “hegemonic and colonialist United States” as pursuing its own expansionist ambitions, rather than the elevated interests of the Iranian people. “Iran’s destiny will be shaped by Iranians alone,” the statement asserts, emphasizing that both internal authoritarianism and foreign domination are wholly condemned. The signatories warned global powers against complicating Iran’s situation through “inappropriate interventions.” They also criticized certain exiled political groups and foreign media for promoting “reductionist narratives” that ignore complex realities, suggesting these groups may be exploiting the suffering for political gain.
Urgent Demands for Transparency and Justice
The statement put forth several critical demands for the government:
- Fact-Finding Committee: An impartial committee must be established to officially announce the precise number of casualties, their time, place, and manner of death to help heal public trust.
- Judiciary Warning: The judicial system is cautioned against punishing innocent individuals under political pressure or to intimidate others during trials related to recent widespread arrests.
- Internet Access: The government must swiftly restore effective internet communication to facilitate the free flow of information.
- Accountability for Security Forces: The government must transparently and justly address errors made by the security apparatus and publicly disclose its findings, acknowledging that deep public distrust makes fair proceedings challenging.
Prioritizing Dialogue and Fundamental Reform
The signatories underscored the people’s undeniable right to protest and the government’s duty to ensure the security of national demonstrations. They called upon the government to create space for peaceful dissent, even under the existing constitution (Article 27), and to protect peaceful gatherings to prevent violence. The statement criticized past government actions, including the suppression of civil society organizations and the marginalization of national, religious, ethnic, and local figures who could have served as intermediaries between the people and the government.
While advocating for peaceful protest, the statement also highlighted “the undeniable necessity of non-violence in protest movements,” warning that continued belligerent approaches could inflict irreparable damage on the authenticity and success of future democratic movements in Iran.
Safeguarding National Sovereignty and Public Will
The statement stressed that the government must fundamentally address the legitimate economic, political, and social demands of protesters. It warned that suppression without addressing grievances and securing the consent of the majority will only isolate the government, strengthen opposition, and intensify protests.
The signatories lamented missed opportunities for fundamental change, citing public patience and reduced participation in recent elections. They also referred to a “12-day aggression by Israel and America against our dear Iran” as a missed opportunity where the nation’s patience and dignity could have been leveraged for fundamental structural reforms and the restoration of public trust.
Highlighting the deep-rooted economic, social, cultural, regional, international, and political problems, the statement asserted that fundamental changes are inevitable. It suggested that if officials do not proactively initiate peaceful reforms, the current situation will necessitate more difficult changes. “While the government may perceive a need for economic ‘surgery,’ many citizens have concluded that the government itself requires more profound and extensive ‘surgery’,” the statement quoted. It concluded that it is less costly for the government to initiate reforms before opportunities are lost and “strangers and ill-wishers” determine the country’s fate.
The statement concluded by observing that a clear majority of Iranians desire to preserve their country’s independence, unity, territorial integrity, security, and peace. Yet, they simultaneously experience disruption, increasing pressure, institutionalized corruption, and structural discrimination in their material and spiritual lives, lacking a clear vision for the future or a convincing narrative for the present.
The statement concluded with a warning, citing Imam Ali (AS): “He who sleeps, is not slept about,” implying that inaction or denial will not prevent consequences.
Signatories:
- Masoud Adib
- Abdolali Bazargan
- Reza Haji
- Hamid Dabashi
- Alireza Rajaei
- Abdolkarim Soroush
- Omid Safi
- Hassan Fereshtian
- Hossein Kaji
- Mohsen Kadivar
- Hossein Kamali
- Yaser Mirdamadi
- Dariush Mohammadpour
- Hassan Yousefi Eshkevari
