Saving Iran Through a Referendum Between Two Constitutions

Note:The petition below was originally drafted on January 7, 2026. From that date until today, January 15, 2026, numerous tragic events have occurred in Iran, claiming many lives—some of which have been reported by the media. Even if, as the authorities claim, these lives were taken by so-called “terrorists,” the government bears responsibility for this blind terrorism due to its failure to prevent it.Accordingly, the core demand of this petition not only remains valid but has become more urgent and necessary in light of recent developments. This paragraph was added after the original date of drafting, and some individuals who signed the petition earlier may not agree with its content; nevertheless, their principal demand remains unchanged.— Ayoob Sadeghiani

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Addressed to the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

With due respect and goodwill, we submit this request. While it may not represent the voice of all Iranians, it reflects the voice of a segment of the Iranian people whose names appear below. Those who have signed or will sign this petition may agree or disagree with all or parts of it. Some may even support the Islamic Republic yet consider it in their own interest, and in the interest of Iran, to endorse this request.

Some may seek, through a democratic process, to submit your legitimacy and mode of governance to a popular vote and, at this sensitive historical juncture, when the country is in a dire state and facing external threats, to reaffirm their allegiance to you. History attests that every system of governance has an end; otherwise, you yourselves would not have awaited a promised future rule. Whether you remain in power for a few more hours or a few more years is not the fundamental issue. The real question is who pays the cost of prolonging this period, and to what extent.

Our Core Demand

We, the authors and signatories of this petition, regardless of how long you wish to remain in power, assert our natural and inherent right to a referendum, as outlined below.

In our assessment—by your own warnings and as demonstrated in the recent conflict—there exists a real risk of:

• A military attack on Iran;
• The fragmentation of the country;
• Foreign domination;
• The killing or abduction of state leaders by non-Iranians.

Given your failure to manage relations with those you designate as enemies; the severe and intolerable gap between people’s incomes and living costs; and the structural imbalance between national revenues and expenditures, even if you mistakenly believe that current protests can be contained, you lack the necessary tools to resolve Iran’s problems or to manage society and the economy.

Why Delay Is a Historic Error

Even if the attrition of protests and the suppression of citizens were to preserve existing structures temporarily, such methods will not suffice. The hostility cultivated and consolidated over years will, sooner or later, result in an attack on Iran—an attack against which you lack the capacity to defend the country from the world’s most powerful armies.

Delaying a transition to a new political structure—one that would meaningfully increase Iran’s chances of survival—constitutes a historic mistake, the costs of which will be borne by the Iranian people. Whether brother or adversary, whether “brother” or “brother-killer,” as chanted in the streets, the burden ultimately falls on the people.

The Proposed Referendum Mechanism

Although a referendum is our inherent right, and even though this right has been denied to the people for years, we urgently and respectfully request that you enable such a process:

• Not merely amending the current Constitution as the sole option;
• Nor as a predetermined transition away from the Islamic Republic.

Rather, we call for a referendum in which both supporters and opponents of the current system are heard.

We propose that a referendum be held without international intervention or oversight, administered and supervised by credible domestic civil groups, such as:

• University students,
• University professors,
• School teachers.

The referendum should present two alternatives to the people:

1. The current Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, or a revised version aligned with the views of the government and its supporters;
2. An alternative constitution proposed by groups that openly advocate a transition beyond the Islamic Republic.

A Two-Stage Democratic Process

Over a period of several months:

• Citizens who, for any reason, believe that the continuation of the current system is contrary to the country’s interests and their children’s future will select one constitution from among several proposals put forward by opposition groups.
• At the end of this period, the constitution chosen by the opposition will be put to a nationwide vote against the Constitution of the Islamic Republic or its revised version.

Prerequisites for this process include:

• The unconditional release of all political prisoners and detained protesters;
• The unrestricted return of opposition figures, including those affiliated with or sympathetic to the former regime, and their participation in this democratic process.

Expected Outcomes

Our assessment is that the public is no longer willing to participate in a simple “yes or no” referendum limited to constitutional reform alone. The only dignified and least costly path to change is a two-option referendum structured as described above.

The natural and logical consequences of this process include:

• Protesters returning home, resulting in reduced bloodshed;
• A significant increase in the cost of foreign military intervention while the country is engaged in a democratic process;
• A stabilizing psychological effect on currency markets, benefiting both the economy and the public;
• Supporters and opponents of the current system—both integral parts of the nation—participating peacefully in determining their future, thereby avoiding post-transition violence associated with other methods;
• Avoiding violent transitions or a potential power vacuum, and preventing a repetition of the bitter mistakes of the Islamic Revolution, including repression, executions, and the forced exile of entrepreneurs, specialists, and experienced administrators;
• A reduced likelihood of foreign domination through a client or proxy government;
• Preservation of national dignity, ensuring that current and future generations are not burdened with the shame of foreign-led assassinations or abductions, acts that would signify Iranians’ inability to resolve their own affairs;
• Protection of the country from fragmentation and from the ambitions of hostile neighbors and external powers;
• The return of capital from Iranians abroad, helping to mitigate structural economic imbalances;
• The use of personal and professional networks by prominent Iranian-Americans to facilitate the lifting of sanctions.

Most importantly, should a different group come to power through this democratic process, you will be remembered favorably for recognizing, at the right moment, a rational and wise solution to save Iran.

With hopes for the dignity and prosperity of Iran and its people,

Ayoob Sadeghiani