Ahwazi delegation attend a meeting with US congressmen
Report on Participation in “Iran’s Next Step: Toward the 7th Constitutional Assembly”
United States Congress – March 3, 2026
A delegation of Ahwazi representatives participated in the national dialogue titled “Iran’s Next Step: Toward the 7th Constitutional Assembly,” held at the United States Congress on March 3, 2026. The conference marked the 120th anniversary of Iran’s Constitutional Revolution and coincided with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
The event brought together a diverse representation of the Iranian opposition, reflecting a broad spectrum of political perspectives, civic actors, and community representatives committed to constitutional reform and democratic transition in Iran.
The Ahwazi Arab community was represented by Karim Abdian, Mahdi Hashemi, and Haifa Asadi. In their contributions, they discussed the principles outlined earlier in this report: the need for a federal, decentralized, and secular constitutional framework in which regions have their own elected governments, meaningful authority over local governance, and equitable participation in national decision-making. They emphasized the importance of recognizing internal self-determination in a revised constitutional order that respects the rights of all populations.
The delegation highlighted that the Ahwazi Arabs—who make up nearly ten percent of Iran’s population—have long experienced structural discrimination based on language and ethnicity. Despite residing on their ancestral land in Ahwaz that generates a significant portion of the country’s natural resource wealth, many Ahwazi Arabs face socio-economic marginalization and barriers to political and cultural participation. Independent reports document systemic discrimination in employment, education, and public services, as well as denial of linguistic and cultural rights for minority communities in Iran.
The dialogue included substantive engagement with members of the U.S. Congress and other delegates. Participants examined comparative constitutional models—especially elements of the United States Constitution such as federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and private-sphere protections—to inform ideas about structuring a future Iranian constitutional framework that protects civil liberties and minority rights.
Discussions underscored the importance of ending highly centralized governance structures and replacing them with institutions that ensure inclusive participation, accountability, and equality before the law for all citizens regardless of ethnicity, language, or belief. The protection of linguistic, cultural, and political rights was emphasized as essential to achieving durable stability and social cohesion in Iran.
The conference concluded with broad recognition that sustainable reform requires constitutional redesign that genuinely reflects Iran’s demographic diversity and historic socio-political realities. The Ahwazi delegation reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, law-based transformation, constructive international engagement, and the promotion of inclusive governance principles.