IRAN Audio Series: Recent Episodes
NCRI-US
The Iran Audio Series are produced by the National Council of Resistance of Iran - U.S. Representative Office (NCRI-US). The NCRI is the Iranian democratic opposition coalition, dedicated to the establishment of a democratic, secular, non-nuclear republic in Iran. The NCRI-US is the representative office of the NCRI in Washington.
These materials are being distributed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran - U.S. Representative Office. Additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES Series
By Alireza Jafarzadeh
Deputy Director, U.S. Representative Office
National Council of Resistance of Iran
June 18, 2022
A year ago, today, in a political circus known as “elections”, massively boycotted by the Iranian people, with lowest turnout ever, even with hugely inflated official tallies, the regime’s Supreme Leader Khamenei had Ebrahim Raisi to be announced as his president.
At the time the mullahs’ propaganda machine began portraying him as a savior on a mission to resolve all crises engulfing his regime.
A year after, however, people from all walks of life are taking to the streets throughout Iran and chanting “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to Raisi!” delivering a major blow to Khamenei’s strategy of using Raisi to silence a restive populace and groom him as his successor.
Khamenei had heavily gambled on the success of this ploy. He purged almost all other political factions even many of his longtime allies to shield and elevate Raisi.
But now, on daily basis, he sees the dismal failure of this strategy with the “Death to Raisi” loud and clear in Iran protests.
Even before he began his office, Raisi known as “henchman of 1988,” was a much-hated figure among Iranians for his key role as a member of the Death Commission in the 1988 massacre of nearly 30,000 political prisoners, 90% of them members of Iran’s main opposition, the Mojahedin-e Khalq, the MEK.
Iran’s people have not succumbed to barbaric crackdown of peaceful protests by teachers, workers, pensioners and other social sectors during Raisi’s tenure.
To the contrary, they have become more energized in their demands beyond mere economic and work-related slogans, seeking the regime’s downfall.
In short, Khamenei’s strategy of using Raisi as the bogyman has miserably backfired as Iran protests getting ever closer to achieving their goal, regime change for freedom and democracy!
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES Audio Series
By Alireza Jafarzadeh
Deputy Director, U.S. Representative Office
National Council of Resistance of Iran
June 16, 2022
Today, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned several entities of the regime ruling Iran, under Executive Order 13846, “Reimposing Certain Sanctions with Respect to Iran,” which was issued in 2018. The entities sanctioned today include Kharg, Marun and Fanavaran petrochemical companies.
Marun Petrochemical Company was first exposed by the NCRI in March 2017. It is part of the "Armed Forces Social Welfare Investment Organization," one of the 14 economic powerhouses controlled by the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the IRGC.
All these entities are directly involved in facilitating the regime’s proliferation, terrorism, and suppressive activities, and key culprits in the plunder of the national wealth of the Iranian people and the crippling economic devastation.
Today’s sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department are welcome, but they are not sufficient.
First, all existing and new sanctions, particularly those targeting Tehran’s energy sector must be effectively enforced.
Second, all remaining entities and individuals involved in human rights violations, suppression, and terrorism, as well as the nuclear proliferation and missile and drone program in Iran, must be held accountable and sanctioned under relevant Executive Orders or other applicable laws.
For all these measures to be effective in permanently halting the regime’s malign and destabilizing conduct, they need to be components of an over-arching Iran policy where support for the Iranian people seeking and fighting for regime-change and human rights, lie at its core.
The ongoing anti-regime protests triggered by dismal living conditions and astronomical high food prices are spreading to all social sectors across Iran.
Shouting “Death to Khamenei, Death to Raisi” they hold Khamenei, his president Raisi, and the entire regime as the root cause of their misery.
Protesters see the theocracy’s overthrow as the only way to end their misery.
And shouting “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader (Khamenei)” they are also forward looking, vying for a future free of kings’ totalitarian reign and the ayatollahs’ religious dictatorship.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Honorable Michael Mukasey, the 81st Attorney General of the United States, discussed how the delisting of the IRGC would convey the worst possible message to Tehran.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Honorable David Shedd, former Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told the conference that terrorism is indeed in the IRGC’s DNA. Let’s listen.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Honorable Robert G. Torricelli, former Democratic Senator from New Jersey, said Washington should send a resounding NO to Tehran’s demand for lifting of the IRGC’s FTO designation.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, former Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, remarked that in light of the IRGC’s terrorism record before and after its 2019 FTO blacklisting, the designation must remain in place and should not even be open to debate.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Jonathan Ruhe, the Director of Foreign Policy at JINSA, referring to the current debate on the utility of new nuclear deal with Tehran, maintained that the JCPOA 2.0 would be far worse than the 2015 JCPOA.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Ms. Soona Samsami, the U.S. Representative of the National council of Resistance of Iran, opened the conference, discussing how the regime is weakening and the prospects for change there.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Retired General Chuck Wald, former Deputy Commander of U.S. European Command, emphasized that Tehran’s ballistic missile development must be included in JCPOA talks.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Prof. Siamack Shojai, Professor of Business at William Paterson University, explained how any sanctions relief equals to Tehran’s increased funding of terrorism and regional aggression.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Dr. Behzad Raofi, Chief Validation Engineer for Space Missions, explained to conference how the IRGC’s space program is indeed a front for its nuclear weapons drive.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Ambassador Robert Joseph, former Undersecretary of State for Arms Control & International Security, stressed that the Iranian regime will never give up its nuclear weapons program.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, former Special Adviser to the Director of National Intelligence, argued that Tehran will neither cease nor desist its rogue behavior.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, explained the IRGC’s countless merciless attacks on American civilians and central role in suppression of Iranian protesters.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Ambassador Lincoln Bloomfield, Jr., former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs, explained that time has come to support the NCRI’s President-elect Maryam’s Rajavi’s 10-point plan.
BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES - On March 25, 2022, a stellar array of policy and national security figures addressed a conference, organized by the U.S. Representative Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the NCRI-US.
The speakers discussed Iran’s internal situation and its prospects for fundamental change, Tehran’s nuclear and regional defiance, and its nefarious support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The distinguished experts shared their perspectives on an effective Iran policy and underlined the imperative of maintaining the IRGC on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), calling for no sanctions relief.
Mr. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI-US, moderated the conference.
Dr. Steven Bucci, a visiting fellow at The Heritage Foundation, underscored the necessity of dealing with the Iranian regime from a position of strength.
The Price of Freedom is a series of stories from those who have fought for freedom from the Iranian regime, and is sponsored by the National Council of Resistance of Iran - U.S. Representative Office (NCRI-US).
Dr. Zahra Sadeghpourfled Iran after falling victim to the violence and terror that permeates everyday life under the Ayatollahs' regime. After being imprisoned at the age of 13, she went into hiding until the age of 16, when she was arrested again by the regime which brutally tortured her brother and murdered her best friend and several of her classmates. Despite escaping the country, the regime’s terror followed her to France, where her life was threatened yet again at the Free Iran Rally in 2018, the target of a bomb plot sponsored by this diabolic theocracy. This is the story of her friend and the story of her brother, stories of pain, suffering and the brutality the regime inflicts on its opponents… but it is also one of hope and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds… This is Zahra's story.
CONTENT WARNING// mentions of violence, sexual assault, torture
4:35 to 5:12 (violence)
5:43 to 6:53 (sexual violence)
16:27 to 16:53 (torture)