The major coalition of Iranian dissidents has welcomed the ceasfire, expressing hope that it will pave the way for peace.

12:26, Wed, Apr 8, 2026 Updated: 12:26, Wed, Apr 8, 2026

BELGIUM-IRAN-POLITICS-DEMO

The major coalition has welcomed the ceasefire (Image: Getty)

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has welcomed the ceasefire between Donald Trump and Iran, particularly the halt to attacks on infrastructure and civilian facilities, adding that this was the most appropriate decision at the most sensitive moment by the US. In a statement shared with the Express on Wednesday (April 8), Mrs Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the NCRI, which advocates for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, expressed hope that the 15-day ceasefire "will lead to the end of the war and pave the way for peace and freedom".

Mrs Rajavi stressed that lasting peace, "as the Iranian Resistance has stressed for the past 45 years, can only be achieved through the overthrow of the terrorist and warmongering dictatorship of the absolute clerical rule (Velayat-e-Faqih) by the Iranian people and the organised resistance, and the establishment of a democratic republic". She added that the stopping of executions in Iran, as a demand of all the people of Iran, should be included in any international agreement.

LEBANON-IRAN-ISRAEL-US-WAR-HEZBOLLAH

The ICRI is committed to overthrowing the Islamic Republic and establishing an Iranian secular democratic republic (Image: Getty)

The ICRI is a coalition of some 540 Iranian dissident groups, led by the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/ MEK), committed to establishing a secular democratic republic in Iran. It was founded by Massoud Rajavi and Abolhassan Banisadr in 1981 and is the longest active political alliance in Iranian history.

The latest news from around the world and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Acting as a parliament-in-exile in France and Albania, women comprise 50% of the Council's members. Mrs Rajavi has led the council since 1993.

The NCRI advocates for free elections, gender equality, separation of religion and state, abolition of the death penalty and a non-nuclear Iran. It also works to raise awareness of human rights abuses in Iran, organising rallies and lobbying in Western capitals.