Now is the time to double down on support for Iran liberty, Metsola says


European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Friday called for stronger support for Iranians protesting for freedom, saying the Islamic Republic shows no willingness to compromise and that the EU must stand firmly with those risking their lives every day.
"That’s what must unite all of us - not letting down the thousands who have been in the streets since the beginning of the year, saying they have finally had enough. We let the people who protested in 2022 and 2023 down. We could have given many speeches, but we did not go as far as we needed to," Metsola said during a panel at the Munich Security Conference.
"We must send a message to those protesting every day - those risking their lives and ready to die for their country - that we stand with them. That is the only way to preserve our credibility," she added.
Metsola also referred to US Senator Lindsey Graham during the panel, saying there is no turning back after the latest protests in Iran.
"Senator Graham said this is the red line we cannot cross. That’s the line we cannot go back on. Returning would only embolden forces like Hezbollah or Hamas — and that would be a serious challenge for the European Union as well, because we are already very close to that."