For the New Administration, a Plan for Empowering Democratic Change in Iran
Defense Opinion | By Ramesh Sepehrrad, Ph.D. | December 6, 2024
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, it must not overlook the plight of the Iranian people and their battle for democracy.
For decades under a religious dictatorship, Iranians have demonstrated a profound resilience and a steadfast desire for democratic change. The United States has a pivotal role to play in supporting these aspirations, beginning with a firm and proactive stance in the first 100 days of the new administration.
The Trump administration can build a global coalition aimed at diplomatically isolating Tehran’s regime. By uniting allies and leveraging international institutions, the U.S. can enhance the efficacy of sanctions, amplify the voice of change from within and coordinate actions against the regime’s violations of international laws and human rights.
A global coalition against the Tehran regime
Maximum pressure: The Trump administration should immediately reinforce existing sanctions and implement rigorous new sanctions targeting key sectors of the ayatollah’s economy that fund the regime’s oppressive and warmongering activities. These should specifically focus on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plays a central role in suppressing domestic dissent and exporting terrorism.
Target IRGC: To reinforce the blacklisting of IRGC as a terrorist organization and amplify its impact, the incoming U.S. administration should prioritize a coordinated international effort. This strategy would involve high-level diplomatic engagements with the European leaders to encourage similar actions, sharing detailed intelligence on the IRGC’s involvement in terrorist activities and human rights abuses and advocating for a unified approach in multilateral forums. By coordinating sanctions, supporting human rights movements and leveraging economic incentives, the U.S. can lead a global effort to effectively isolate the IRGC, demonstrating a firm commitment to global security and stability.
Snapback mechanism: The U.S. must lead in enforcing the “snapback mechanism” of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reinstating all U.N. sanctions on Iran due to its blatant violations of the agreement. This action would pressure Tehran’s regime and align with broader non-proliferation and regional security goals.
Supporting the Iranian movement for democracy
Commit to no appeasement: Fundamentally, the administration must adopt a policy of no appeasement towards Tehran’s regime. Historical engagements, including shadow diplomacy, have shown that compromise does not lead to moderation but rather emboldens the regime’s repressive tactics both at home and abroad. A firm stance, backed by actionable policies, is essential to demonstrate to the Iranian people and the world that the U.S. supports a future of freedom and democracy for Iran.
Implement strategic approach to human rights: To effectively bolster the defense of human rights, the incoming U.S. administration should assert a persistent and incisive stance on the ongoing arrests, torture and executions in Iran. The administration should appoint a dedicated special envoy for Iranian Human Rights, tasked with focusing exclusively on the ongoing executions, massacres and other human rights issues. This position would provide the necessary expertise and sustained diplomatic focus required to address these challenges, enhancing U.S. leadership in advocating for the people of Iran.
Recognize the role of organized resistance: The U.S. should formally recognize and engage with legitimate alternatives to the Tehran regime, such as the longstanding political coalition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). The NCRI has deep and enduring roots within Iran, a proven record of integrity, international credibility and independence. It has established a structured six-month transition plan for the post-regime period where the people of Iran can engage in democratic and fair elections. This approach, reminiscent of the U.S. policy in the post-Soviet era, would signal America’s commitment to genuine democratic change and counter the regime’s narrative that no viable alternatives exist.
The first 100 days of the Trump administration present a unique opportunity to set a definitive course in support of the Iranian people’s fight for a non-nuclear and secular republic. By implementing these recommendations, the administration can affirm its commitment to human rights and democratic values on a global scale.
The Iranian people continue their courageous battle against an oppressive regime, a decisive and supportive U.S. policy could make a critical difference in their long struggle for a free and democratic Iran.
