The situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program is becoming gradually more dangerous. The fate of this program, since it has a direct impact on the economic and social lives of millions of Iranians, is a matter of concern to all human rights activists in Iran. In this sensitive juncture, more than anything else, these activists must take upon themselves to make one thing clear: what do the Iranian people really want when it comes to the nuclear issue?

This question has already been answered in various ways, particularly with an eye to influence public opinion. The “evidence” usually cited to support these answers includes street demonstrations on official occasions and online polls, among others. Such political or propagandist efforts, however, will not count as credible information when it comes to understanding what the Iranian people want – what really counts is information obtained on a “legal” foundation.

A clear suggestion that presents itself in this respect is to hold a national referendum. This referendum must be held and carried out in a legally legitimate way, such that its results are credible and unquestionable in foreign and domestic circles.

It seems that now, both within and outside the Iranian government, all those who hold a position with respect to Iran’s nuclear program are in complete and unanimous agreement over one thing: that the nuclear program has direct and serious effects on the fate of Iranians. If this is the case, then citizens of Iran have the right to express their position in a legally defensible and transparent environment, and furthermore, to expect that their views are taken into account in choosing the direction of Iran’s nuclear policies.

Unlike the suggestions to hold a referendum on choosing a political system or altering the constitution, which have been opposed by the Iranian government, the country’s officials should not have any logical reasons against holding a national referendum on the nuclear issue. If, in a just and transparent environment, the Iranian people vote for the continuation of the government’s nuclear policies, then the referendum would be completely in favor of the government, strengthening its negotiating position with respect to the international community’s.

On the other hand, even if the results of this referendum are contrary to the government’s official nuclear policies, the country’s officials should not be unhappy with holding it. Clearly, no nation will be ready to pay the price of policies that a majority of its citizens oppose. Hence, this will bring about a dangerous and uncertain situation for the Iranian government in its confrontation with the international community, forcing it to “retreat” under pressure from below. This presents the Iranian government with a face-saving opportunity to retreat from its current position in an “honorable” way, rather than be labeled to be scared of international pressures.

The truth is that Iran’s nuclear program has reached such a sensitive point that no one could stay indifferent to the country’s future. I, as an Iranian human rights activist, sincerely ask everyone – with any political or ideological view – who is concerned about the country’s future to seriously pursue the suggestion of holding a national referendum. Here may lie the breakthrough to the impasse.