Swedish Member of Parliament Alireza Akhondi has issued a stark warning to European leaders, urging a firmer and more strategic approach toward Iran.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels during a discussion on the Islamic Republic’s influence and tactics, Akhondi stressed that Europe cannot afford complacency in dealing with Tehran’s ambitions. The MP drew attention to the regime’s destabilising activities, its support for terrorism, and its broader impact on European security and societal issues.
A Gradual Policy Shift
Akhondi acknowledged that Europe has made some progress in shifting its stance on Iran over the past two years. This change has been driven by mounting evidence of the regime’s malign activities, including its nuclear programme, support for proxy wars across the Middle East, and disinformation campaigns targeting European societies.
“I use the name ‘Islamic Republic’ because this regime does not represent the Iranian people,” he said, explaining his decision to differentiate between the regime and Iran’s population. While he welcomed the evolving European policy, he stressed that more resolute action is needed to achieve tangible results.
The MP cited Iran’s military contributions to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a critical example of its destabilising role, including the provision of drones and missiles. He also highlighted the human cost of the regime’s actions, noting how proxy wars in the Middle East drive waves of refugees to Europe, exacerbating political and social challenges within EU member states. “If we want to see results, we need to be firmer in our actions,” Akhondi argued.
An Orchestrated Strategy of Destabilisation
Akhondi made it clear that Iran’s actions are not random but part of a well-choreographed strategy that has been in place for decades. He pointed to the regime’s history of assassinations on European soil, recruitment of criminal networks, and ideological expansion through Shia clerics across the Middle East as evidence of this calculated approach.
“This did not start yesterday,” he said. “Assassinations on European soil began 20 years ago. Recruiting criminals and creating ideological movements in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and even Jordan has been happening for years.”
He warned against underestimating the regime’s capabilities and intentions. “They are not stupid,” he cautioned. “If we underestimate them, they win. But if we are vigilant, understand their strategy, and take decisive action, we stand a better chance of countering their influence.”
The Challenge of Balancing Freedom and Security
The discussion also touched on the vulnerabilities inherent in liberal democracies, particularly in the face of security threats from regimes like Iran’s. Akhondi rejected the idea of curtailing freedoms as a solution, arguing that democracy’s strength lies in its openness and the political engagement of its citizens.
“For me, liberal democracy, with all its freedoms, is based on political engagement,” he said. “Taking back liberties that generations before us fought to secure is not the right path.”
Instead, he advocated for a candid discussion about the problems associated with these freedoms and for targeted measures to address security threats without undermining democratic principles. “If we don’t acknowledge these problems, they will bite us in the face,” he warned, pointing to growing societal challenges across Europe, from Brussels to London and Stockholm.
The Desire for Change in Iran
Akhondi expressed optimism about the Iranian people’s readiness for change, dismissing the notion that they are content with the status quo.
“Eighty per cent of Iranian society is under 40. They grew up with the internet, they love Western society, and they want the same freedoms that we have,” he said.
He cited the low turnout in Iran’s most recent parliamentary elections—less than 10% by some estimates—as a clear sign of public dissatisfaction with the regime. “Even when the regime tried to force people to the polls, they refused. They don’t like the regime; they don’t want the regime. They want something else,” he explained.
However, Akhondi acknowledged that the path to democracy in Iran will not be easy. “Democracy as we know it may not come tomorrow without challenges,” he said. “But we need to start somewhere. We did it in our countries, and the Iranian people are ready to tackle these challenges if we help them.”
He emphasised that while the international community cannot solve Iran’s problems, it can play a crucial role in creating the conditions for change. “We’re not going to solve everything for them. We just need to create a situation where things are possible,” he said, lamenting the current lack of international support for the Iranian people. “That’s the scary part—we’re not even helping them to help themselves.”
A Call to Action
Akhondi concluded with a call for greater unity and resolve among European leaders. He warned that the Islamic Republic’s actions have implications far beyond Iran’s borders, posing threats to European security, stability, and values. “We need to take action before it’s too late,” he urged, adding that ignoring these issues only emboldens the regime.
His comments served as a reminder that Europe’s approach to Iran must be informed by both immediate security concerns and a long-term commitment to supporting the Iranian people in their quest for freedom and democracy. The challenge, he argued, is not insurmountable—but it demands courage, clarity, and collective action.
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