Foad Pashaei: A Democratic Iran Is Possible Through Dialogue and Ending the Cycle of Revenge
Foad Pashaei, Secretary-General of the Constitutionalist Party of Iran, said that Iran’s political community can achieve a democratic and stable future only if it embraces dialogue, tolerance and collective cooperation while putting an end to the cycle of revenge.
According to Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), Pashaei made the remarks during the conference “Human Rights in Post–Islamic Republic Iran,” held in Oslo on 18–19 October 2025. In his speech, he reviewed the founding charter of the Constitutionalist Party and noted that the party had called from the outset for the abolition of the death penalty and the elimination of the concept of political crime.
“When a country does not recognise political crime,” he said, “there will be neither political prisoners nor political executions.” Pashaei added that changing Iran’s political culture is essential, describing the events of 1979 as a result of a lack of understanding of democracy and the tendency to view political rivals as enemies.
The Secretary-General also criticised discriminatory views toward Iranian citizens. “One of the ugliest concepts in Iranian politics is the word ‘minority,’ whether ethnic or religious,” he said. “We recognise minorities only in politics, not in human identity. In a democracy, majority and minority are temporary concepts that change with each election.” Referring to a resolution adopted at the party’s fifth congress in 2004 regarding the rights of ethnic groups and the need for administrative decentralisation, he emphasised the importance of distributing power throughout the country.
Pashaei stressed the need for dialogue and cooperation among political forces. “A future democratic Iran is impossible without communication and dialogue among forces opposed to the Islamic Republic,” he said. “We may disagree with one another, but we have no right to become enemies. Conflicts among opposition groups only benefit the regime.” He warned that the Islamic Republic’s cyber forces are active on social media to sow division among opposition groups and urged politicians not to fall into that trap.
“The greatest enemy is in Tehran, not among ourselves,” Pashaei added, “and any political force that spends its time attacking other opponents risks losing sight of the main struggle.”
Pashaei also noted that the Constitutionalist Party has attempted to address the problem of political hostility internally. “Anyone who crossed the boundaries of respect and civility has been expelled,” he said, adding that political reform must begin within organisations themselves before expecting it from others.
Warning about the risk of renewed violence after the collapse of the current system, Pashaei said: “If we do not stand together today, the same executions and acts of revenge will be repeated tomorrow.” He referred to South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, adding that forgiveness, though difficult, is necessary to move beyond the past. “We must drink the bitter medicine of forgiveness once and for all. It is bitter, but it is the only way to overcome the past and build a democratic future for Iran,” he said.
In closing, Pashaei emphasised that political forces may disagree, but must remain united in their shared goal of ending authoritarian rule and establishing democracy. “Every conflict has two sides,” he said. “If you do not respond, it ends. If you continue it, the enemy is pleased. Today is the time to stand together instead of turning against one another and to respect the will and the vote of the people.”
Translated from Farsi via machine translation and lightly edited for clarity.