INTERNACIONAL
As airstrikes rain down on the Iranian regime, can a fractured opposition unite to lead if it falls?
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
As U.S. and Israeli air forces continue to attack Iran’s leadership and facilities with devastating military strikes, there are intense discussions unfolding on who will rule the country if the regime falls.
One of the biggest questions being asked by Iran experts is whether the fragmented opposition groups can come together and unite in defeating the regime.
Lawdan Bazargan, an Iranian political and human rights activist who was imprisoned by the regime for her dissident activities in the 1980s, told Fox News Digital that there is a dangerous precedent for a total unified opposition. «Unity cannot mean everyone stands under my flag.»
A general view of Tehran with smoke visible in the distance after explosions were reported in the city, on March 2, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Contributor/Getty Images)
She said, «That model failed Iran once before. In 1979, one figure [Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini] absorbed moral authority while claiming he wasn’t seeking office and ended up consolidating absolute power. It’s also not fair to automatically position someone who has not lived in Iran for decades as the interim authority of over 90 million people. That fuels more mistrust, not less.»
She also warned about the need to avoid a Venezuela situation where Nicolás Maduro was replaced by his devotee Delcy Rodríguez.
Mariam Memarsadeghi, a senior fellow at Macdonald-Laurier Institute and founder and director of the Cyrus Forum for Iran’s Future, told Fox News Digital that «When it comes to helping unite opposition forces, the crown prince [Reza Pahlavi] has the most responsibility because he is leading. It is to everyone’s advantage for him to build true alliances and real cooperation.»
She added,»He can start through reconciliation with prominent figures who once were in collaboration with him, before spoilers in his own ranks were propelled by regime manipulation and infiltration to turn on others. It will be tempting to think that, because he is popular, he does not need others. But there is much hard work ahead.»
IRAN’S SENIOR CLERICS ‘EXPOSED’ AFTER BUILDING STRIKE IN QOM, SUCCESSION CHOICE LOOMS
Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi speaks during a news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)
Reza Farnood, a researcher, writer and activist, told Fox News Digital «In 48 years of activism and struggle, I have never experienced such broad unity and alignment. Even those who for years held firmly leftist views and were staunch opponents of the Shah and the Pahlavi family are now openly supporting the prince. Inside Iran, people are openly and courageously chanting his name,» he claimed.
Yet others remain skeptical of Pahlavi. Alireza Nader, an Iran expert, said: «Unfortunately, the Iranian opposition is more divided than ever. And I blame much of it on Reza Pahlavi and his team. Take the announcement of the formation of the new Kurdish Iranian coalition. Pahlavi attacked the coalition as soon as it was formed, labeling them as ‘separatists’… But then Pahlavi had to walk back his statement after he found out that President Trump had called Kurdish leaders, an important development.»
Cars burn in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency’s value in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2026. (Stringer/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS)
Nader said, «The Kurds are very organized and capable. And they are armed. Anyone who wants to free Iran has to work with them. The regime is a deeply entrenched system in Iran. It’s an ideology and belief system that will not be uprooted with air strikes. And the regime has been preparing for this moment for decades. The individual leaders may not matter as much as the system.»
FIREBRAND ANTI-AMERICAN CLERIC ALIREZA ARAFI SEEN AS CONTENDER TO REPLACE IRAN’S KHAMENEI
Yet while many voices claim Pahlavi should be the rightful successor to bring democracy to Iran, others point to the influential Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), the Iranian exile organization that has attracted supporters like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets Maryam Rajavi at Ashraf-3 – May 16, 2022, in Albania. (NCRI)
The group was reportedly the first to highlight Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions and regularly posts videos on its social media showing its active units operating against the regime. A post on X dated March 3 shows attacks against regime targets: «Resistance Units step up anti-regime activities nationwide,» it said, adding that there have been 30 operations in 15 cities, including Tehran, in the last days.
IRANIAN JOURNALIST URGES TRUMP TO ‘FINISH THE JOB,’ SAYS IRANIANS FEAR ‘WOUNDED REGIME’
Its Paris-based leader, Maryam Rajavi, says she supports a secular provisional government. Ali Safavi, an official with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), told Fox News Digital, the organization «has consistently argued that unity must be built on principles — republicanism, popular sovereignty, human rights and the separation of religion and state — rather than on personalities or nostalgia for past systems.»
The NCRI is the umbrella organization for groups that fall under the rubric of MEK.
Andrew Ghalili, the policy director for the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), defended Pahlavi’s standing: «There is no figure within the Islamic Republic who has legitimacy with the Iranian people or who would be a credible partner for the U.S.»
TRUMP SAYS IRAN’S SUCCESSION BENCH WIPED OUT AS ISRAELI STRIKE HITS LEADERSHIP DELIBERATIONS
He added, «As for opposition unity, the pro-democracy opposition is more united than it gets credit for. At the Munich Security Conference in 2025, a broad coalition came together around Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and four core principles for democratic transition. That includes monarchists, republicans, human rights advocates, ethnic minority representatives — all committed to a democratic, territorially intact Iran.»
On Jan 10, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, members of the Iranian community gather at Plaza de Cibeles for a demonstration in support of the anti-regime protests. (Francesco Militello Mirto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ghalili claimed, «When people say the opposition is ‘fractured,’ they’re usually lumping in groups like the MEK, which is universally reviled inside Iran and has no democratic credentials or aspirations, or separatist movements that don’t reflect what Iranians, including ethnic minorities, actually want. The real pro-democracy opposition is already uniting. The world, and international media, should recognize it.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Bazargan warned that «If the West truly wants stability and not a Venezuela-style managed authoritarian transition, it should not anoint personalities. It should push for a structured transition that guarantees free and fair elections within 12 months, with distributed authority and real safeguards against concentration of power. Iran does not need another supreme figure, even a secular one. It needs an accountable transitional framework so every Iranian feels they have a stake in their future. Without that, fragmentation will continue, and fragmentation only helps the regime survive.»
Her warning was echoed by Memarsadeghi, who said, «The Iranian people will not trust in any process that leaves in power any vestige of the regime that massacred them.»
Related Article
war with iran,terrorism,world protests,conflicts,iran
INTERNACIONAL
La guerra contra Irán: Hezbollah cumplió su sueño de atacar Chipre y busca internacionalizar el conflicto
Una provocación estratégica
El precedente de las bases
Chipre busca la neutralidad
El dilema del desarme
INTERNACIONAL
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
An Iranian refugee held at gunpoint at school before fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution is calling for hope, democracy and prayers for his homeland as the U.S. joins Israel in targeting Iran’s ruling clerical regime.
David Nasser, now an American pastor, spoke to Fox News Digital six days after Operation Epic Fury was launched in Iran, which reignited haunting memories for him and of the time when he was 9 years old.
«As a child, my family and I were forced to escape Iran and run for our lives,» Nasser, President and CEO of David Nasser Outreach recalled.
«We found safe harbor as refugees granted political asylum here in the United States,» Nasser said, describing how his father had been a high-ranking officer in Iran’s military, meaning «his family became targets as the government collapsed.»
«One of my most vivid memories of realizing that nothing was ever going to be the same again was at a school assembly on a military base — a soldier called out three names and mine was called first,» he said.
David Nasser fled Iran when he was 9 years old during the 1979 revolution. (David Nasser)
«When I got to the front, the soldier dropped a piece of paper, took a gun out of his holster and put it to my head and quoted the Quran. He told me that he was sent to make an example out of me,» Nasser added.
The principal intervened, but the message he relayed was unmistakable. Nasser recalled.
«They’re killing everybody who’s anybody. They’re trying to make an example out of people like our family, and they’re using fear,» he remembered hearing at the time.
«That’s one of my first memories of the revolution, but really just being completely scared for my life.»
Soon after, Nasser’s family devised an escape plan. They would pretend Nasser’s mother needed emergency heart surgery in Switzerland and buy round-trip tickets to avoid raising suspicion.
«We bought round-trip airline tickets like we were going and coming back, but we weren’t coming back. We were running for our lives,» he said.
KHAMENEI IS DEAD — AND IRANIANS DARE TO HOPE FOR FREEDOM AGAIN AFTER DECADES OF TYRANNY
David Nasser recalled a school assembly on a military base when a soldier called out his name and put a gun to his head. (David Nasser)
At the airport, Nasser remembers gripping his father’s hand tightly and hearing words he will never forget.
«‘If they find out we’re escaping, they’re going to kill us right here on the spot,’ my father said as his hands shook, holding mine. The last time I was in Iran, I was a 9-year-old little boy running for my life,» he said.
Now, watching events unfold in Iran from the safety of the U.S., Nasser said his heart remains with millions of desperate Iranians facing uncertainty.
«We see them — I see them, I hear them. My heart is beating really fast for them right now with hope and with prayers for their protection and their provision,» Nasser said.
«Protection. I’m praying for protection for them. I want to be a part of the provision for them. If Iran transitions from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to help rebuild.»
ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN DOOR TO UPRISING
Pastor David Nasser fled Iran as a child and urges hope during the U.S. military campaign in Iran. (David Nasser)
«If this moment actually comes, and they go from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to be a part of the solution — for that 9-year-old little boy that I once was. I want to do this for him.»
Beyond political change, Nasser, who is also teaching pastor at New Vision Baptist Church, said he takes solace in what he describes as spiritual transformation already underway, calling it «the fastest-growing church in the world right now or the underground church in Iran.»
«We know there’s at minimum 4 million, at maximum 8 million Christians right now in Iran,» he said.
«In Iran, if you convert from Islam to Christianity, that can be a death sentence. If they come into your home, and you’re gathering for Christian worship, they will take your home title, you will lose your home.
«They’re in prison. They’re being tortured. They’re being ridiculed. They’re being mocked.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«Above all, I came to America, and it was a land of opportunity. And I was given the gift of democracy. So, I would love to see democracy in Iran, where all the boys and girls are afforded what I was afforded when I managed to escape.»
Related Article
war with iran,iran,donald trump,middle east,christianity religion,ali khamenei,christianity
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, will not seek reelection, opting to leave the Senate just minutes before Wednesday’s filing deadline in the Treasure State, three sources confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Montana’s senior senator is serving his second term and was widely expected to secure a third in Big Sky Country, where President Donald Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2024. He previously served two terms in the House before making the leap to the upper chamber.
Daines played a key role during that election cycle as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helping Republicans regain a majority in the upper chamber. He also backed Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, in a grueling race against former Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, helping the GOP secure unified control of Washington.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, plans to retire at the end of his term, opening up his seat in Big Sky Country as Republicans look to keep their grip in the upper chamber. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The lawmaker said in a video statement that after «much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection.»
He thanked his wife, Cindy, and noted that for the last 13 years, she «has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C.»
«And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference,» he said.
With Daines set to leave the Senate, Republicans will now look to hold the seat. Montana’s primary election is scheduled for June 2.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS’ EARLY RETIREMENT RUMORS SEND SHOCKWAVES THROUGH HOUSE GOP
President Donald Trump takes questions from the media during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed just minutes before Daines withdrew from the race, according to the Montana Secretary of State. Earlier Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entered the race as an independent.
Trump wasted no time lauding Daines and swiftly backing Alme in a post on Truth Social.
«Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators,» Trump said. «He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives. He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, ‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.»
OPERATION EPIC FURY SURVIVES SENATE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS CLOSE RANKS BEHIND TRUMP
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., arrives to a caucus meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill on May 10, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Three Democrats are also running on the opposite side of the primary field: Alani Bankhead, Reilly Neil and Michael Blackwolf.
A spokesperson for the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told Fox News Digital in a statement that «Republicans’ midterm prospects are so bleak in 2026 that yet another Senator is running for the hills.»
«Steve Daines is joining more and more of his colleagues in deciding to throw in the towel rather than defend their toxic record,» they said. «This news is the latest flashing warning sign to all GOP senators: Your jobs are not safe, retire or lose.»
Daines’ departure comes on the heels of Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, who earlier this week announced he plans to retire from the House.
Zinke cited several undisclosed surgeries stemming from injuries he suffered as a Navy SEAL.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«My judgment and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes,» Zinke said.
His open primary has already attracted several Montana Republicans, including Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and conservative radio host Aaron Flint, who swiftly earned the endorsements of Zinke and Trump.
Related Article
montana,elections state and local,senate elections,republicans,politics
Vende electrodomésticos y creó combos baratos: la gente hace hasta seis cuadras de fila para comprar
El ministro Presti participa en Miami de un reunión militar de países aliados de Estados Unidos
Causa Hotesur-Los Sauces: el fiscal pidió que se fije fecha para el inicio del juicio a Cristina y Máximo Kirchner
Otro sindicato presentará una cautelar para declarar inconstitucional la reforma laboral
Con un gol de Ascacíbar y doblete de Merentiel, Boca Juniors venció 3-0 a Lanús en La Fortaleza por el Torneo Apertura
La guerra contra Irán: Hezbollah cumplió su sueño de atacar Chipre y busca internacionalizar el conflicto
Destrozaron a Andrea del Boca por el terrible pecado que tuvo en Gran Hermano: “La quiero presa”, apuntaron contra la actriz por un detalle en la cocina
¡Tensión en vivo! Aníbal Pachano y Nancy Pazos protagonizaron un cruce explosivo en la mesa de Mirtha Legrand
La histórica figura de Intrusos que se va del programa y armó un escándalo con Adrián Pallares y Rodrigo Lussich: “Me voy”, reveló Pablo Layus
¡Otro abandono! El participante de Gran Hermano que anunció su salida de la casa: La confesión de Gabriel Lucero que se suma a la lista de renuncias
POLITICA2 días agoPuertas adentro, Villarruel explotó: «El esfuerzo no lo hizo la política» y demolió el relato económico de Milei
- CHIMENTOS2 días ago
Pampita se mudó a un castillo francés de detalles alucinantes: «1000 metros, 14 ambientes, vale 11 millones de dólares»
- CHIMENTOS2 días ago
El drama que vive Oriana Sabatini a horas del nacimiento de su hija con Paulo Dybala: se complicó la salud de su abuela de 90 años
