Maximum Support Act: U.S. Congress Unites to Back Iranian People
Maximum Support Act introduces a parallel approach—one that reinforces economic pressure on Tehran while actively supporting those pushing for democratic change.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In a significant show of bipartisan solidarity with the Iranian people, U.S. Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have introduced the Maximum Support Act, a bill calling for robust and actionable measures to aid Iran’s dissenting population.
The bill, unveiled on Wednesday (April 2), is part of a broader legislative package aimed at reinforcing the Trump administration’s "maximum pressure" policy against Tehran while simultaneously offering concrete support to those resisting the theocratic regime.
Grateful to introduce the MAXIMUM SUPPORT ACT — the strongest bill ever introduced to support the people of Iran in their quest for freedom and democracy.
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) April 2, 2025
As Assad found out the hard way, these regimes are much weaker than they seem.
FREE IRAN
A Shift from Rhetoric to Action
Unlike past U.S. policies that largely relied on verbal condemnation of Iran’s government, the Maximum Support Act seeks to implement tangible steps that empower the Iranian people. Initially conceived by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), the concept of “maximum support” has become a rallying cry among Iranian activists and opposition groups advocating for a free and democratic Iran.
Iran’s Protests: A Growing Movement
Since 2017, Iran has seen an unprecedented surge in protests, driven by both urban and rural populations disillusioned with the regime. These movements have demonstrated a shift from reformist aspirations to demands for a complete overhaul of the government. The 2022-2023 “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising further highlighted the growing opposition, prompting calls for more proactive U.S. involvement.
Key Provisions of the Maximum Support Act
The legislation outlines a comprehensive strategy to aid Iranian dissidents while countering Tehran’s oppressive tactics. Among its key provisions are:
- Enhanced Internet Freedom: The bill mandates U.S. support for VPN services, satellite-to-cell technology, and eSIM access, allowing Iranians to bypass government-imposed internet blackouts and censorship.
- Supporting Defections: A structured plan to facilitate and manage defections from the Iranian government and security forces, providing them with secure communication channels.
- Asset Seizure and Redistribution: Iranian government assets under U.S. jurisdiction would be redirected to fund humanitarian aid, assist striking workers, and provide medical support to protesters.
- Countering the Regime’s Global Repression: The bill calls for terrorism sanctions against Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, which has targeted dissidents both inside and outside the country.
- Strategic Coordination: Establishing a multi-agency task force and appointing a special representative to oversee U.S. efforts in supporting Iranian democratic movements.
Political and Expert Endorsements
The Maximum Support Act has garnered endorsements from advocacy organizations and foreign policy analysts. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at FDD, emphasized the bill’s significance, stating, "Maximum support for the Iranian people is a perfect complement to maximum pressure, and an increasingly necessary element of the equation concerning Iran." Similarly, NUFDI’s Andrew Ghalili described the bill as "the strongest ever introduced in support of the Iranian people."
Rep. Wilson highlighted the urgency of the initiative, declaring, "The Iranian regime will fall sooner rather than later. This bill ensures that we stand with the Iranian people in their struggle for democracy and human rights." Echoing this sentiment, Rep. Panetta underscored the importance of countering Tehran’s censorship and repression: "The Maximum Support Act bolsters internet freedom, seizes regime assets to aid pro-democracy efforts, and supports those resisting oppression."
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. contemplates its next steps regarding Iran, including potential nuclear talks or military actions, the Maximum Support Act introduces a parallel approach—one that reinforces economic pressure on Tehran while actively supporting those pushing for democratic change. The bill’s bipartisan nature signals a rare alignment in Washington, demonstrating a unified commitment to aiding the Iranian people in their fight for freedom.