On April 8, 2025 in Washington, D.C., in a powerful show of bipartisan support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, senior U.S. lawmakers, diplomats, and national security experts convened on Capitol Hill for a high-level policy luncheon titled “Iran Policy.” The event marked the formal unveiling of Senate Resolution 145, introduced by Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), recognizing the rights of the Iranian Resistance and affirming support for the residents of Ashraf 3 in Albania.
Speaking with Simay Azadi on the sidelines of the event, Senator Shaheen underscored the unprecedented vulnerability of the Iranian regime.
“Well, we’re seeing the regime in Iran weaker than they have been… really since I can remember in… decades,” she said. “And so this is an opportunity for us to think about how we continue to support the people of Iran who are looking for freedom and democracy and the ability to make their own choices about their futures. So that’s why we’re here. We’re trying to make sure that everybody is paying attention to what’s happening there.”
Earlier that day addressing the gathering, Senator Shaheen expressed gratitude for the Iranian-American community’s steadfast advocacy:
“I’m so pleased that I could join all of you again this year for the celebration of spring and Nowruz. It’s always fun to be here because you make me feel so welcome, and I so appreciate that,” she said.
Senator Shaheen formally announced Senate Resolution 145 on her behalf and of her colleague Senator Tillis.
“We are introducing a bipartisan resolution again this year, recognizing the people of Ashraf 3 camp in Albania,” she stated. “We have 14 co-sponsors as we introduced it, so we’re looking forward to all of you helping us get lots more co-sponsors both in the House and the Senate.”
Pointing to shifting dynamics in the Middle East, she remarked, “We are looking at an Iranian regime that’s in retreat. Just a few months ago, it would have been hard to imagine that Iran would be almost entirely out of Syria, or the possibility that the Syrian people could determine their own future.” She also noted political developments in Lebanon and urged continued vigilance: “We must not allow actions to take place that permit Iran to rebuild in the region.”
Senator Shaheen called on Americans to stand with the Iranian dissidents:
We must continue our efforts to ensure a nuclear-free Iran… and we must uphold our promises to those in Ashraf 3.
Closing her remarks with a message of hope and determination to the Iranian people, she added:
“Despite oppression, despite threats, despite indifference, you’ve not given up on human rights, on democracy, or on changing Iran for the better. Let’s recommit to a free and democratic Iran.”