The Iranian theocratic government’s hold on power in Tehran has not been this tenuous since the overthrow of the Shah more than 45 years ago. Its economy is in freefall and with the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, Iran lost one of its major allies in the Middle East, a leading Iranian opposition figure told lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said the situation in Iran today could only be described as explosive.

“The mullahs are surrounded on all sides by a society that is filled with anger and rebellion, by resistance units [and] by selfless and rebellious youths,” Mrs. Rajavi said. “The regime is trying to preserve its shameful rule through executions in Iran and by creating fear.”

Members of the bipartisan Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus on Wednesday introduced a resolution calling for the support of efforts to create a democratic, secular and non-nuclear Iran. The measure had the support of 150 Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

“We differ and quarrel about many things but we are solidly united in support of the people of Iran and their struggle to liberate themselves from the tyranny of the mullahs,” said Rep. Tom McClintock, the California Republican who co-chairs the caucus.

Mr. McClintock said he believes the tide is turning in Iran. The regime has become an international pariah and the leading source of misery, injustice, and oppression to its people.

“Such a state of things cannot last much longer,” he said. “Within the next few years, we will be celebrating the liberation of Iran.”

The Capitol Hill session was held on the same day that the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency was issuing a confidential report that found Iran has accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium. The report by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency said that as of Feb. 8, Iran has 605.8 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60%.

That material is a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% needed to make a nuclear bomb, according to the Associated Press, which obtained a copy of the report.

“The significantly increased production and accumulation of high enriched uranium by Iran, the only non-nuclear weapon state to produce such nuclear material, is of serious concern,” the IAEA confidential report stated.

Mrs. Rajavi said the Iranian resistance would welcome any loosening of power by the rulers in Tehran because it would only accelerate their eventual downfall. Efforts to engage the current regime through diplomacy are misguided, she said.

“Such an expectation is an illusion,” she said. “The regime has used negotiations as a tool for deception to continue its nuclear weapons program and its destructive policy in the region.”

Also testifying Wednesday was Alejo Vidal-Qadras, a prominent Spanish politician and former vice president of the European parliament. He was the victim of an Iran-backed shooting in November 2023 because he supported the resistance efforts.

“It is clear that our longstanding policy of engagement and appeasement of the Iranian regime has not only failed but has actively harmed our interests,” Mr. Vidal-Qadras said. “We must urgently recognize and support the Iranian people’s right to change their government. This support is not just an idea. It is a crucial and timely necessity for regional stability.”

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, California Democrat, praised the bipartisan condemnation in Congress of the ruling regime in Tehran.

“We know that change must occur in Iran,” she said. “The people in Iran seeking freedom must know that they have advocates and friends who will stand up for them.”

Mrs. Rajavi said the NCRI isn’t looking to seize power from the mullahs but to transfer it to the people of Iran. Their immediate objective following the collapse of the ruling regime would be the creation of a provisional government that would remain in power just long enough for the start of free elections and the establishment of a legislative assembly, Mrs. Rajavi said.

She confirmed the existence of an active resistance network inside Iran that is working to help bring down the government in Tehran, with women playing a major role.

“Women will have a key role in leading the society,” Mrs. Rajavi said. “Women in Tehran today are the leading force for change and also for a future free Iran.”

• This article was based in part on wire service reports.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.