With the fate of millions hanging in the balance, this conversation will explore how recent events have shaken the Islamic Republic and what the future might be – a democratic transition, or a hardening of authoritarian rule?

In a conversation moderated by Paul van Zyl, Our speakers will discuss the influence of global powers and how the United States, Israel, and Gulf states are recalibrating their strategies, and what they might do next. They will also explore the role of the Iranian diaspora, civil society, and the international community.

From Tehran to Tel Aviv, Washington to London, this crisis touches every corner of the global order. And one truth is clear: Iran is changing, and what happens next will shape the future of the region.

Event Schedule

6:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking

A cash bar will be available for refreshments.

6:15pm: Event begins

7:30pm: Event ends

Speakers:

Nina Navid is Head of Racial Justice Campaigns at Amnesty International UK, with a background in grassroots organising, advocacy, and strategic campaigning. She has played a key role in high-profile human rights efforts, including the campaigns to free Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, Amnesty UK’s response to Woman, Life, Freedom protests in Iran, and in May 2025 leading a high-level delegation to Israel/OPT. Her work focuses on racial justice, structural inequality, and building inclusive movements that centre lived experience and collective action. Nina brings a deep commitment to international solidarity and justice to all of her work.

Shideh is an advocate and strategist with over 20 years of international experience across energy, sustainability, and human rights. Active in the UK’s Iranian diaspora movement, she has organised landmark protests, led parliamentary briefings, and built bridges between grassroots networks, civil society, and policymakers. She leads advocacy at Impact Shift Iran and drives ESG strategy in global humanitarian and climate initiatives. Shideh holds degrees in engineering, business, and social entrepreneurship, including an Executive Master’s from LSE.

Omid Shams is a London-based human rights lawyer and political activist focused on freedom of expression and crimes against humanity. He holds a PhD in law and previously served as Research and Operations Director at Justice for Iran, and as Head of Investigations at the Iran Atrocity Tribunal (2021–2022). A former student leader in Iran, he left the country in 2013 under ICORN protection. Omid is Director of Human Rights at the Siamak Pourzand Foundation and a founding member of the Jurists’ Council for a Democratic Iran. Also a literary writer and honorary member of Danish PEN, his artistic collaborations have been exhibited at the Guggenheim and MCA Chicago.

Paul van Zyl is the co-founder and CEO of The Conduit. Paul is a winner of the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He served as the Executive Secretary of South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission and co-founded the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), an international human rights organisation based in New York City.