Risks, Prospects, and Paths Forward for Freedom in Iran
Date
March 16, 2026 – 11:00AM
– 12:00PM EDT
Location
Virtual
Amid a rapidly evolving regional conflict, Iran’s future remains uncertain. While the Iranian people’s right to freedom and self-determination is widely supported, the path to achieving it remains unclear and increasingly fraught. As military operations continue and many fear for their lives and livelihoods, what steps can governments, civil society, and international organizations take to support the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations and ensure their right to live in dignity?
This one-hour virtual event brought together leading experts to examine what must happen next to ensure that the people of Iran are meaningfully positioned to shape their own future, and how the international community can support a path forward grounded in democracy, security, and the rule of law.
Speakers included:
- Nazanin Boniadi, actress and human rights activist
- Ladan Boroumand, Co-founder, Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy in Iran
- Holly Dagres, Libitzky Family Senior Fellow, Viterbi Program on Iran and U.S. Policy, The Washington Institute
- Jamie Fly, Chief Executive Officer, Freedom House
- Jeffrey Gedmin, President & CEO, Middle East Broadcasting Networks
- Gissou Nia, Director, Strategic Litigation Project, Atlantic Council