Iranian exiles urge Trump not to stop at nuclear deal

Iranian exiled political parties gathered in Oslo on Friday to issue a united call for the United States to remain engaged in negotiations with Iran, warning against the destabilization risks of a regime change. The representatives, numbering 12, convened under the banner of the Iran Human Rights charity. Duman Radmehr, the Azerbaijan Democracy and Development Party's representative, emphasized that the primary objective was to reassure Iranians that their exiled counterparts are committed to a peaceful transition.

"The majority of Iranians lack optimism about the future post-regime change, fearing a civil war and a chaotic vacuum akin to Syria," Radmehr stated, addressing the concerns that deter protests domestically. He added, "We aim to prevent such a scenario in the future through this agreement." The document, drafted by the 12 parties, advocates for the release of political detainees, civil liberties, and free elections, framing the agenda as a collective demand for human rights and democratic governance.

Radmehr expressed hope that the agreement would signal a broader coalition of Iranian exiles invested in the US-Iran peace process. Despite Trump's rejection of Iran's recent proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the exiled parties assert their desire for inclusion in the ongoing negotiations. Radmehr lamented the growing internal division among Iranians following the regime's violent suppression of 2022’s nationwide uprising, and warned that the Iran Freedom Congress, a nascent platform for dissidents, represents only a fraction of the exiled political landscape.

Safety concerns loom large for exiled activists, with Radmehr highlighting ongoing threats and surveillance by Iranian intelligence agencies. Despite the risks, the Oslo meeting underscores the determination of Iranian exiled factions to collaborate towards a democratic future for their homeland.