9th April 2025 

Press release

The Committee for the Defence of Iranian People’s Rights (CODIR) has welcomed the proposed talks between the United States and Iran as a possible first step towards relieving the pressure upon the Iranian people, caused by ongoing sanctions against the country.

While the solidarity organisation continues to highlight the human rights abuses of the theocratic dictatorship in Iran, CODIR also recognises that the sanctions regime, which is crippling the economy, is a massive pressure upon the Iranian people.   

“We are under no illusions that the engagement of the Iranian regime in talks with the US is about little more than self-preservation”, said CODIR General Secretary, Gawain Little, “but any opportunity for dialogue which will reduce tension in the region and avert the possibility of military intervention in Iran must be welcomed, however cautiously.”

The withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first term as President, was the starting point for the policy of ‘maximum pressure’ applied upon Iran by the US, which heralded a stepping up of already punitive sanctions.

The current tension in the region, due to the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the weakening of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance of Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi organisations, has increased the likelihood of a further military strike against Iran, either directly by the US or by Israel.

CODIR is calling for peace, trade union and human rights organisations in Britain to back the call for talks to reach a peaceful conclusion in the interests of reconstruction in the country and the urgent needs of the population in Iran. 

ENDS

Further information for Editors

Contact Information for CODIR:-

Postal Address:
B.M.CODIR
London
WC1N 3XX
UK
Website: www.codir.net
E-mail: [email protected]

Further information on CODIR

CODIR is the Committee for the Defence of the Iranian People’s Rights.  It has been established since 1981 and has consistently campaigned to expose human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

CODIR has worked closely with the trade union movement in the UK, the peace movement, all major political parties and Amnesty International to press the case for an end to torture in Iran’s prisons.  Major trade unions in Britain are affiliated to CODIR and support its campaign for peace, human and democratic rights, and social justice in Iran.

CODIR has published Iran Today, its quarterly journal, since 1981, explaining the latest developments in Iran and the most effective way that the British public opinion could demonstrate its solidarity with the people of Iran.

In recent years CODIR has worked closely with Stop the War Coalition and has been vocal against any form of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of the nation.

Office

Central Executive Council

CODIR