The recent letter signed by former Vice President Mike Pence and 107 other former world leaders, urging President Joe Biden and his counterparts in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe to adopt a tougher approach towards Iran and support Iranian anti-government protesters, is a significant development that reflects the growing international concern over the Iranian regime's oppressive policies.

The letter rightly emphasizes the need to hold the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for its crimes. It calls for blacklisting the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and ensuring that regime officials are held responsible for their crimes against humanity. The IRGC's designation as a terrorist organization by the U.S. underscores the international recognition of its destructive and destabilizing role in the region.

The world leaders' condemnation of Iran's meddling in the Middle East and Europe, as well as its support for terrorist activities, highlights the urgent need for a stronger stance against the regime's aggressive behavior. The supply of lethal drones to Russia for use in Ukraine and the attempted terrorist attacks on European soil are clear indications of Iran's dangerous ambitions and disregard for international norms.

Moreover, the letter sheds light on Iran's internal situation, particularly the regime's brutal crackdown on the Iranian people and the ongoing protests demanding change. The regime's execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, in which President Ebrahim Raisi was implicated, serves as a stark reminder of its utter disregard for human rights and the rule of law.

The nationwide anti-government street protests in Iran, which have spread across the country, reflect the Iranian people's desire for a democratic and secular republic. These protests, marked by slogans rejecting both the current theocratic regime and the previous monarchy, demonstrate the Iranian people's determination to build a society based on equality, freedom, and justice.

It is encouraging to see the world leaders express their support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a coalition of Iranian opposition groups, and endorse the ten-point plan for democratic transition advocated by its leader, Maryam Rajavi. The NCRI's platform offers a comprehensive vision for Iran's future, emphasizing the establishment of a secular and democratic republic that respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religion or background.

The solidarity shown by the Iranian Women Congressional Caucus and the Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus in support of the Iranian protesters is commendable. Their commitment to advocating for freedom and women's rights sends a powerful message to the international community. It is crucial that this bipartisan support continues to grow and that the voices of Iranian women and the Iranian people as a whole are amplified on the global stage.

In conclusion, the letter signed by former world leaders, along with the bipartisan support expressed by U.S. lawmakers, underscores the urgency of adopting a tougher approach towards Iran and standing with the Iranian people in their quest for change. The emphasis on the NCRI's ten-point plan and the recognition of the Iranian protests as a legitimate expression of the people's desire for a democratic and secular republic are significant steps towards a more just and stable Iran. It is crucial that the international community supports these aspirations and holds the Iranian regime accountable for its crimes against humanity.