Iranian exiles urge Trump not to stop at nuclear deal

Iranian opposition parties based in exile have united to reassure Iranians that a peaceful transition of power in Iran is possible, according to a meeting held in Oslo on Friday. The representatives of 12 different parties gathered to agree on a set of principles for democratic change in the country. Duman Radmehr, an activist representing the Azerbaijan Democracy and Development Party, expressed hope that this document would calm Iranian fears about a potential civil war and the vacuum that followed the fall of Syria.

Radmehr stated that the document served as evidence of the commitment of exiled political groups to prevent such a situation in Iran. He also hoped that the signing would send a message to the United States about the growing coalition of exiled political parties who wish to participate in negotiations to end the US-Iran conflict.

Iran is under pressure to make concessions on its nuclear program in order to revive ceasefire talks. Despite US President Donald Trump rejecting an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, negotiators are expected to resume talks this week. Radmehr emphasized that the negotiations should not solely focus on a nuclear agreement; rather, they should address democracy, freedom, and the demands of the Iranian people.

The 12 parties involved in the meeting primarily represent leftist factions and minority groups such as Turks, Balochis, Ahwazis, and Kurds, who seek better rights for their communities. The meeting was organized by the Iran Human Rights charity in Norway, and the document calls for the release of political prisoners, guarantees of civil and political freedoms, and free and fair elections in any future Iranian government.

Heshmatollah Tabarzadi, the imprisoned leader of the Democratic Front of Iran, also endorsed the principles from his prison cell. Other opposition figures inside Iran were not named for security reasons. The country and its diaspora have become increasingly divided since a nationwide uprising against the regime was brutally suppressed nine months ago, followed by the outbreak of the US-Iran war which has resulted in tens of thousands of bombs being dropped on Iran.

While Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, has received vocal support, he remains a controversial figure due to his advocacy for Persian nationalism that some fear could oppress minority groups in Iran. The Iran Freedom Congress, launched in London in March, aims to create a unifying platform for dissidents of all backgrounds, including academics and civil society groups.

Radmehr expressed the belief that until the regime collapses, there is time to build trust among the Iranian population. However, the Oslo gathering represents only a small subset of those parties that participated in the launch of the Iran Freedom Congress. Some groups declined to participate in the Oslo meeting, according to Radmehr.

Exiled dissidents continue to face threats from Iranian authorities. Radmehr expressed constant worry for his family's safety, as well as for himself, noting that Iranian intelligence services are active in Sweden. His family has been regularly called by Iranian authorities for questioning about his activities in Sweden, with threats made against them if necessary.

Radmehr also received a threatening call from an unknown number during the Women Life Freedom protests.