Boris Johnson at Free Iran 2026: “Change Must Come From Within, and It Will Come”

The Free Iran 2026 World Summit in Paris witnessed a powerful and defiant address by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Speaking to a distinguished international audience and members of the Iranian democratic opposition, Johnson delivered a blistering rebuke of the French government’s attempts to suppress the rally, while offering his unwavering support for a free, democratic Iran.


Here are the key highlights and takeaways from his speech:

A Capitulation to Tehran: Denouncing the Rally Ban

Johnson did not hold back in criticizing the French authorities' last-minute efforts to block the mass demonstration, dismissing their official excuses regarding weather and security as "absolute nonsense."

  • "Pathetic" Justifications: “Last night, I was told that the problem was that it was going to be too hot... How pathetic! Would we be put off by a bit of heat? Of course not!”

  • A Craven Diplomatic Deal: Johnson alleged that the cancellation was a political concession resulting from direct communication between the French Foreign Ministry and Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

  • A Tragic Mistake: “In so doing... the French government has bowed cravenly and capitulated to a regime in Tehran that tortures and kills its opponents on an industrial scale. It was a tragic mistake to try to stop us from meeting.”

Backing the Democratic Alternative

Championing the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Johnson praised the leadership of Madame Maryam Rajavi and her vision for the country’s future.

“I am honored to be supporting Iranian freedom and your fight for democracy, human rights, and free speech. We are here for all the essential freedoms and values outlined in Madame Rajavi’s brilliant Ten-Point Plan—equality of the sexes, an independent judiciary, and the right not to be detained arbitrarily or tortured.”

"Change Must Come From Within"

Reflecting on recent geopolitical developments and geopolitical conflicts, Johnson emphasized that external military action alone cannot bring true democracy to Iran. Instead, he drew historical parallels to the collapse of other oppressive systems.

  • The Limit of Military Might: “After months of warfare, we’ve proved that Tomahawks alone cannot secure freedom for the people of Iran. It cannot be delivered by the Pentagon. Change must come from within, and it will come from within.”

  • Historical Precedents: Johnson compared the inevitable fall of the Iranian regime to the end of apartheid in South Africa and the collapse of communism in the Soviet bloc—both brought down by the unstoppable will of the people.

  • The Power of the Iranian People: “It will happen because the people of Iran—a brilliant, young, highly educated people—want to choose a different future for themselves and their families.”

A Message of Solidary to the West and Iran

Closing his speech, Johnson urged Western nations to amplify the voices of the Iranian opposition rather than silencing them to appease an "odious and cowardly regime."

“If the voices of freedom are to be heard in Iran, then we in the West must allow those voices of freedom to be heard in our capitals and around the world. Thank you very much for your bravery. It is going to be rewarded. Your country is going to be free. Next year, let’s meet in Tehran.”

https://www.maryam-rajavi.com/en/national-liberation-army-only-path-to-freedom/ 

Location: Paris, France

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