The coalition 
Convergence in Munich: A New Dawn on the Horizon of Iran’s Opposition

Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Location: Munich, Germany

A rare and significant gathering took place in Munich, bringing together activists and various factions of the Iranian opposition. Many observers view this meeting as a serious attempt at unification against the Islamic Republic and the formation of a joint front for the transitional period ahead.

The Munich Convergence Meeting was held with two main objectives:

1. Unifying the Voice of the Opposition Abroad: Especially among those who believe that fundamental change in the Islamic Republic can only be achieved through civil resistance and a transitional process.

2. Boosting International Legitimacy: By participating alongside the Munich Security Conference, the opposition sought to draw the attention of global powers to the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy crisis and the need to support democratic alternatives.

Who Participated?

The meeting featured prominent figures and organizations, including:

• Prince Reza Pahlavi, leader of Iran’s national revolution.

• Representatives of monarchist and republican parties and organizations, human rights activists—including former political prisoners and families of those killed in protests—as well as a number of scholars, analysts, and members of civil society networks who participated as observers and advisors.

Why Is This Meeting Significant?

The Munich meeting is important for several reasons:

• Symbolic Unity: In a landscape often plagued by fragmentation and chronic disagreements, this gathering demonstrated a willingness among segments of the opposition to engage in dialogue and pursue practical cooperation.

• International Visibility: Held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the event sent a clear message to Western governments: democratic alternatives to the Islamic Republic exist and can become reliable partners for future political and humanitarian collaboration.

• Strengthening National Solidarity: The presence of diverse national representatives marked an important step toward building a renewed Iranian identity in which all segments of society have a voice.

• Laying the Groundwork for a Joint Front: This could be the starting point for forming a unified national front, potentially playing a historic role in the country’s democratic transition.

The Munich Convergence stands out as one of the most important efforts in recent years to bring together Iran’s pro-democracy forces. At a time when the people of Iran have repeatedly taken to the streets demanding fundamental change, the opposition faces a historic responsibility: to build a cohesive, accountable national structure.

The February 16, 2025, meeting showed that this political maturity is beginning to take shape.

Statement on the “Principles and Framework for Cooperation Among Freedom-Loving and Patriotic Iranian Parties, Organizations, and Individuals”

Sunday, February 16, 2025 (28 Bahman 1403)

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, a landmark gathering titled the Munich Convergence Meeting was held in the state of Bavaria, southern Germany. Attended by Prince Reza Pahlavi, several independent political activists, representatives of freedom-loving and patriotic Iranian parties and groups, as well as media journalists, this nearly five-hour session concluded with a joint statement following in-depth discussions and a Q&A. The full text of the statement is as follows:

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Principles and Framework for Cooperation Among Freedom-Loving and Patriotic Iranian Parties, Organizations, and Individuals

1. We call for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and the re-establishment of a national government in Iran. We believe that this goal can only be achieved through a national revolution, and we commit to cooperating for the victory of Iran’s national revolution.

2. Iran is a unified and indivisible country, with one nation called “the Iranian nation.” A firm commitment to safeguarding Iran’s territorial integrity and national unity is the foundation of our shared understanding and the non-negotiable prerequisite for any political cooperation aimed at saving Iran.

3. We are committed to establishing the rule of law in Iran based on secular democracy, which guarantees and protects the fundamental human rights of all Iranian citizens.

4. We pledge to defend the inherent right of the Iranian people to choose their future system of governance through a free, democratic, and fair election.

5. We prefer a non-violent path to achieve the national revolution. However, in the face of the Islamic Republic’s systematic and brutal violence, we support the Iranian people’s right to self-defense and mutual protection.

6. We endorse a strategy of maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic, maximum support for the Iranian people and their national revolution, and maximum defection from the regime. Within this framework, we pledge to cooperate and ensure that all crimes of the regime, including human rights violations and crimes against humanity, are addressed through a transparent transitional justice process.

7. We believe that post-Islamic Republic Iran must engage in dialogue, de-escalation, and cooperation with all nations to maximize national interests and contribute to regional peace and stability.

8. We believe in rebuilding Iran’s economy within the framework of a market-based system that creates opportunities for all citizens. A national government in Iran should foster the entrepreneurial spirit of Iranians inside and outside the country to deliver prosperity, economic growth, and sustainable development.

9. We are committed to defending all fundamental rights and freedoms of Iranian citizens, including freedom of expression and the press, internet freedom and the free flow of information, freedom of religion and belief, freedom of association and assembly, women’s rights, freedom of dress, and all other political, social, and civil liberties. We will fight with full force to eliminate religious, gender, and sexual discrimination.

10. We are committed to protecting Iran’s environment, wildlife, natural resources, and cultural heritage, and we emphasize the essential role of a national government alongside the public and civil society organizations in this endeavor.

11. Based on the clear will of the Iranian people expressed in recent years through slogans and messages, we recognize Prince Reza Pahlavi as the leader of the national revolution and transitional period—until the first National Assembly is formed and a democratic government is established through free elections. We fully support him in this role.

12. We consider the Lion and Sun tricolor flag of Iran—rooted in the nation’s long and continuous history of statehood and nationhood—as a symbol of national unity and the flag of our people’s broad struggle. We will continue our fight under this flag, shoulder to shoulder.