Parliamentary briefing for UK policymakers, institutions, and civil society partners.

Parliamentary Priorities for a Democratic Future in Iran

Executive summary

The crisis in Iran has direct implications for British foreign policy, regional stability, and the safety of diaspora communities in the United Kingdom. UK policy should reflect both the scale of the Islamic Republic's repression and the growing need to support credible democratic transition.

Why this matters to the UK

The Islamic Republic's repression does not stop at Iran's borders. Iranian activists, journalists, and diaspora communities in Britain have long faced intimidation, surveillance, and transnational pressure. A passive policy posture leaves both democratic values and public safety exposed.

What the UK should do now

• Increase political pressure on the Islamic Republic and stop treating it as a normal state actor.

• Strengthen protection against transnational repression targeting dissidents, journalists, and diaspora communities in the UK.

• Support civil society, secure communications, and internet freedom for Iranians facing censorship and repression.

• Engage seriously with democratic transition voices, including Reza Pahlavi and other secular-democratic actors advocating a post-Islamic Republic future.

• Align public messaging with the Iranian people's right to determine their own future through referendum and free elections.

Core parliamentary asks

1. What further steps will the Government take to constrain the Islamic Republic and the IRGC, including action against hostile networks operating in or through the UK?

2. What protections are being strengthened for UK-based Iranians, journalists, and activists facing intimidation or transnational repression?

3. How is the Government supporting internet freedom, communications resilience, and civil society inside Iran?

4. Has the Government engaged with democratic transition figures and networks - including Reza Pahlavi - who advocate secular democracy, a referendum, and free elections? If not, why not?

5. How does current UK policy reflect support for a post-Islamic Republic future rooted in self-determination, civilian protection, and democratic legitimacy?