Former Vice President Mike Pence Meets With Iran Resistance Leadership in Albania

June 24, 2022; OIAC

On Thursday, June 23, the 48th Vice President of the United States, the honorable Mike Pence and former second lady, Mrs. Karen Pence visited Ashraf 3 in Albania and met with Maryam Rajavi, the President Elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

Mr. and Mrs. Pence attended a large gathering of members of the Iranian Resistance and expressed strong support for the fight and the sacrifices of the Iranian people throughout the four decades-long fight against the clerical dictatorship.

 Mr. Pence Said in his remarks, “I have traveled more than 5,000 miles from my home in Indiana to be here today because we share a common cause: the liberation of the Iranian people from decades of tyranny, and the rebirth of a free, peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Iran. Thank you all for standing strong in the name of freedom.”

“Today we call on the Biden administration to immediately withdraw from all nuclear negotiations with Tehran, voice support for the organized opposition in Iran, and make it clear that the United States and our allies will never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons…I can say with certainty that the American people are with you as you stand and labor for freedom in Iran. The American people support your goal of establishing a secular, democratic, non-nuclear Iranian republic that derives it gets its just powers from the consent of the governed.”

He added, “Today, I join you in pledging that his crimes must not go unpunished. Ebrahim Raisi is unworthy of leading the great people of Iran. He must be removed from office by the people of Iran – and he must be prosecuted for crimes against humanity and genocide that he perpetrated thirty years ago and every day since.”

“Today, the resistance movement in Iran has never been stronger. It’s been inspiring for me today to learn more. Resistance Units in Iran are the center of hope for the Iranian people. They are an engine for change from within during the uprisings and continued protests. And every day, it’s clear they are growing stronger while the regime grows weaker.”
“Today, teachers, workers, and retirees, have courageously taken to the streets. Protests that used to be isolated and sporadic quickly spread to multiple cities. Hope is a flame in the heart of freedom-loving men and women, and that flame is burning brighter than ever before thanks to all of you. I came here to simply say, we stand unequivocally on the side of the Iranian people.”

“Your Resistance Units, commitment to democracy, human rights, and freedom for every citizen of Iran. Maryam Rajavi’s Ten Point Plan for the future of Iran will ensure freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the freedom for every Iranian to choose their elected leaders,” the former VP noted.

He cautioned against subsuming to clerical political tries and said, “The regime in Tehran wants to trick the world into believing that the Iranian protesters want to return to the dictatorship of the Shahas well. But we are not confused by their lies.”

Mr. Pence concluded with a bright prediction and said, “The day will come when the ayatollahs release their iron-fisted grip on Iran and her people. A new glorious day will dawn, and a bright future will begin, ushering in an era of peace, prosperity, stability, and freedom for the good people of Iran and the world.”