On February 26, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced House Resolution 166 (H.Res. 166) with bipartisan support from over 150 lawmakers, including key committee and subcommittee chairs. The resolution reaffirms the Iranian people’s right to establish a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic while strongly condemning the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, terrorism, and destabilizing actions in the region.
Reaffirming the Iranian People’s Call for Change
H.Res. 166 acknowledges that the Iranian people have rejected all forms of dictatorship—both the ruling theocracy and the previous monarchy. It recognizes their persistent demand for fundamental change, reflected in nationwide protests in 2018, 2019, and 2022. The resolution also highlights the role of Iran’s Resistance Units in organizing protests against the regime’s oppression.
Condemning Human Rights Violations and Nuclear Threats
The resolution strongly denounces the Iranian regime’s human rights violations, particularly its repression of women, political prisoners, and ethnic and religious minorities. It cites the execution of over 500 prisoners, including at least 17 women, in the first four months of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration. Additionally, it calls for accountability for the 1988 massacre of up to 30,000 political prisoners, most of whom were members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
H.Res. 166 also condemns Iran’s destabilizing activities, including its financial and military support for terrorist groups, attacks on international shipping, and regional aggression. The resolution underscores the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, pointing to its violations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its stockpiling of near-weapons-grade uranium.
Sending a Clear Message to Tehran
With strong backing from senior members of key congressional committees—including Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations—H.Res. 166 sends a firm message that the United States stands with the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and democracy. The resolution advocates for maintaining sanctions on the Iranian regime and calls for its leaders to be held accountable for crimes against humanity.
By endorsing the Iranian opposition and the Ten-Point Plan, the resolution firmly rejects any return to monarchy or religious dictatorship, emphasizing that only the Iranian people have the right to determine their nation’s future.