Lord McCabe Endorses NCRI, Rejects Return to Monarchy in Iran
Lord McCabe, Member of the U.K. House of Lords, addresses an online conference held by the NCRI on March 15, 2026
Written by
Shamsi Saadati
At an online conference held by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on March 15, 2026, Lord Steve McCabe, a member of the UK House of Lords, voiced support for Iran’s opposition on Wednesday, saying the country’s future must be decided by its own people and calling the NCRI a credible alternative to clerical rule.
Lord McCabe said, “Only the people of Iran can determine their own future,” as he described the current period as “a very difficult time for the people of Iran.”
He praised NCRI President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi for “more than four decades” of work in building what he called a movement “ready to offer a viable alternative for the people of Iran.” He said that alternative was based on “freedom and human rights, a secular state and a separation of religion and state, and of course without nuclear weapons,” in line with Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan.
Lord McCabe urged governments to back the Iranian opposition and support a transition. “Now is the time for people around the globe to convince their governments that they should support the NCRI,” he said.
He also rejected any return to monarchy, warning, “We cannot exchange one dictator for another.” Referring to Reza Pahlavi, he said that if the son of the ousted truly wanted to help Iranians, “he should seek to return the millions that his father looted from the country.”
The full script of Lord McCabe’s speech follows:
Lord Steve McCabe: The NCRI is the only viable democratic alternative for Iran — March 15, 2026.
Thank you.
It’s good to be able to join you all at what is a very difficult time for the people of Iran. We pray for their deliverance. And whatever the good intentions and aims of our American friends, I think it’s important to recognize that only the people of Iran can determine their own future.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Madame Rajavi and to recognize her achievements over more than four decades now in molding and growing the opposition movement, guiding it to a point where it’s ready to offer a viable alternative for the people of Iran. An alternative based on freedom and human rights, a secular state and a separation of religion and state, and of course without nuclear weapons. An alternative based on Madame Rajavi’s ten-point plan.
Now, you have been very successful, Madame Rajavi, in winning over and convincing politicians from all around the world who’ve come to recognize your courage and strength. Here in the UK, the Committee for Iran Freedom has worked hard over many years to offer our support.
Sometimes in very dark moments, sometimes in periods of uncertainty, we’ve been able to look to you for guidance. And now is the time for people around the globe to convince their governments that they should support the NCRI, that they should welcome the opposition and the chance for transition.
Lord @steve_mccabe: The Iranian regime thrives on terror, executions & global threats. On Sept 6, the #BrusselsFreeIranRally calls: No to war, no to appeasement—yes to change by the Iranian people & their organized resistance. The free world must stand with them. pic.twitter.com/hYfbqax1Kr
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 26, 2025
And to ensure in particular that our media and our broadcasters are not misled or deluded by those who are now advocating for the son of the late Shah. We cannot exchange one dictator for another. That is not the way forward. If Reza Pahlavi really wants to help the people of Iran, he should seek to return the millions that his father looted from the country.
Now is the time for change, for a broad-brush transitional government where all the elements of the people of Iran can participate. An inclusive transitional arrangement where women are entitled to play their full part, free from the misogyny of the mullahs. These are difficult times.
You have our support, Madame Rajavi. I look forward to the day when we will all meet in Tehran.
Thank you.