Mr. Amir Abbas Fakhravar’s Speeches in the UK Parliament

This page provides detailed information on Mr. Amir Abbas Fakhravar’s multiple speeches and events in the UK Parliament, focusing on his advocacy for constitutional reform in Iran, regime change, and related geopolitical issues. The content draws from events hosted by the Henry Jackson Society (HJS) and other relevant sources. Mr. Fakhravar, an Iranian dissident, founder of the National Iranian Congress (NIC), and President of the Iranian Freedom Institute, has been a prominent voice in these discussions.

Key Speeches and Events

1. October 23, 2019: “An Iranian Constitutional Revolution: The Possible Futures of Iran” (House of Lords)

Hosted by the Henry Jackson Society at the House of Lords, this event was invited by Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski and chaired by Andrew Bowie MP. Fakhravar delivered the main speech, joined by Emma Fox, a Research Fellow at HJS.

Key Points and Summary:

• Fakhravar contrasted the ongoing constitutional revolution with the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which he described as a “nightmare” orchestrated by the KGB to train mullahs in overthrowing the Shah.
• He criticized the current regime’s lack of legitimacy, noting European recognition is economically motivated and ignores human rights abuses.
• Discussed his imprisonment and the plight of unknown prisoners in Iran, emphasizing the need for Western awareness.
• Highlighted NIC’s campaigns for oil sanctions and protests that influenced the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) under President Trump.
• Critiqued Iran’s 1906 and 1979 constitutions for religious bias and power concentration, advocating for a secular model like the U.S. or UK constitutions with church-state separation.
• Presented NIC’s drafted secular, pluralistic constitution, gaining support among Iran’s Generation Z via social media, fostering a grassroots movement.
• Urged addressing BBC Persian’s lack of coverage on the revolution in Parliament.
• Emma Fox critiqued Western apologetics for Middle Eastern regimes and groups like the UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission for ignoring Iranian abuses.

Notable Quotes:

• On the 1979 Revolution: “40 years ago, a nightmare happened; before 1979 the country had been moving in the right direction, and then everything stopped… the revolution had been designed by the KGB.”
• On Regime Legitimacy: “The current Iranian regime has no legitimacy both inside and outside the country; the European states who have recognised the current leadership have only done so in order to establish economic relations with the mullahs without any regard for human rights abuses.”
• On European Aid: “The money that some European states continue to give the Iranian government is harmful to the population and only helping the regime extend its survival for another couple of months.”
• On Youth and Revolution: “Most British and American citizens have no idea that a constitutional revolution is underway in Iran. Paradoxically, 40 years of life under religious rule has produced a large young Iranian population that is not hostile to Western democracies, but friendly; not fanatically attached to fundamentalist interpretations of Islam, but alienated from them and often from Islam itself.”

The event included a Q&A and underscored the fortieth anniversary of Iran’s theocracy.

2. December 2022: Discussion on Iran’s Political Future (UK Parliament)

Hosted by the Henry Jackson Society in UK Parliament, courtesy of Lord Stuart Polak, with Fakhravar as the guest speaker.

Key Points and Summary:

• Fakhravar warned of risks from a constitutional vacuum if the regime falls, urging opposition parties to unite for order and democratic rights.
• Called for international action, including expelling Iran’s regime from the UN for UN Charter violations and designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization in the UK.
• Emphasized the Iranian people’s readiness for regime change amid ongoing protests and the regime’s loss of credibility.
• Noted that toppling Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alone may not ensure democracy; risks include coups or false opposition claims.
• Highlighted the need for international support to honor rule of law and aid civilians against regime crimes.

Notable Quotes:

• “Iran’s regime should be expelled from the United Nations. Any member that persistently violates the UN Charter can be expelled. That certainly sounds like Khamenei’s regime.”
• “IRGC should be on terror list in the UK… the Iranian People are ready for change, regime change. This revolution is going to make Iran free.”

The event signaled a shift in opposition confidence toward planning a free Iran.

3. November 4, 2024: “Confronting Iran’s Threat to Global Security: Can a Constitutional Revolution Rise Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel?” (Houses of Parliament)

Hosted by the Henry Jackson Society, with Fakhravar as a key speaker.

Key Points and Summary:

• Fakhravar discussed Iran’s potential transition to a universal, ideology-free constitution, drawing from his book The Spirit of the Constitutional Law.
• Explored mechanisms for this transition using Iran’s history and global case studies.
• Addressed how such a change could improve Iran’s international standing.
• Covered resolving conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war and threats from IRGC-backed proxies (e.g., Houthis, Hezbollah).

Speakers:

• Amir A. Fakhravar (Iranian-American writer, Constitutional Law Scholar).
• Dr. Alan Mendoza (Executive Director, Henry Jackson Society).

Chair: Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Chairman of 1922 Committee).

This event built on prior discussions, emphasizing constitutional reform amid regional tensions.