Exclusive Interview: Ali Safavi on Iran Strikes, Regime Change, and the Future of Tehran

Ali Safavi, senior official of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee, says the current U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran may weaken the regime's military and nuclear capabilities, but they will not bring it down.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:07am

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In an exclusive interview, Safavi argued that only the Iranian people and organized resistance forces can overthrow the ruling establishment in Tehran, calling for immediate international recognition of Maryam Rajavi's provisional government and her Ten-Point Plan for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic. He rejected any restoration of monarchy, warned Gulf states against continued appeasement of Tehran, and declared that the collapse of the regime would ultimately dismantle its regional proxy network and bring long-term stability to the Middle East.

Why it matters

The interview provides insight into the perspective of the Iranian opposition on the current situation, highlighting their belief that regime change in Iran can only be achieved through the efforts of the Iranian people and organized resistance, not through foreign military intervention alone. It also underscores the opposition's call for international recognition and support of their alternative vision for Iran's future.

The details

Safavi explained that the current U.S. and Israeli strikes are aimed at degrading Iran's military and nuclear capabilities, but cannot bring down the regime on their own. He emphasized that the task of regime change lies with the Iranian people and the organized resistance, such as the Mujahideen and resistance units. Safavi discussed the announcement of a provisional government by Maryam Rajavi, based on her Ten-Point Plan, and called for the international community to recognize this as the alternative to the current regime. He rejected any restoration of monarchy and warned Gulf states against continued appeasement of Tehran, arguing that the collapse of the regime would dismantle its regional proxy network and bring stability to the Middle East.

  • The interview was conducted on February 28, 2026.
  • Safavi referenced recent strikes on Iran that occurred on Monday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Ali Safavi

A senior official of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee, a democratic coalition of Iranian opposition groups and personalities committed to the establishment of a democratic, secular, non-nuclear republic in Iran.

Maryam Rajavi

The leader of the NCRI who has announced a provisional government based on her Ten-Point Plan for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran.

Reza Pahlavi

The son of the former Shah of Iran, who has called for the restoration of monarchy in Iran, a proposal that Safavi strongly rejects.

Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran, whose regime Safavi and the NCRI are committed to overthrowing.

The Iranian people

Safavi emphasizes that the Iranian people, along with the organized resistance, are the key to achieving regime change in Iran, not foreign military intervention.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for solidarity. They should take care of civilians, the elderly, and those who have been wounded.”

— Maryam Rajavi, Leader of the NCRI

“Change in Iran must be from bottom up, not from the air and not by any foreign force. This has been our position in the past 20 years all along.”

— Ali Safavi, Senior official of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee

“The killing of Iranians hasn't created grief and gloom. It has resulted in rage and resolve.”

— Ali Safavi, Senior official of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee

“The proper course of action should have been many years ago for the Persian Gulf countries to stand with the people of Iran and support the resistance of the people of Iran to topple this regime and bring peace and fraternity to the rest of the world.”

— Ali Safavi, Senior official of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee

“He doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell.”

— Ali Safavi, Senior official of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This interview highlights the Iranian opposition's belief that lasting change in Iran can only come from the Iranian people and organized resistance, not from foreign military intervention or a return to monarchy. It underscores their call for international recognition and support of their alternative vision for Iran's future.