In an address to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on March 5, 2026, former UK Parliament Speaker John Bercow criticized the current Iranian regime as a “bestial, depraved, thuggish, and terrorist” fascist dictatorship nearing collapse. He emphasized the importance of a viable democratic alternative, firmly rejecting Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, as a potential leader, arguing that he embodies a “way back” to a feudal past rather than a forward path to democracy.
Bercow pointed out Pahlavi’s lack of public service, absence of support within Iran, and failure to sacrifice for the cause of freedom, declaring him unsuitable as a leader. Instead, he endorsed Mrs. Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI, praising Rajavi’s lifelong commitment to human rights and outlining her “Ten-Point Plan” for Iran’s future, which emphasizes individual liberties, the separation of religion and state, and democratic elections.
Concluding his speech, Bercow called for international support for the NCRI’s provisional government, portraying it as a brighter alternative to both the existing dictatorship and a return to hereditary monarchy.
