Central to this evaluation is the regime’s relationship with its organized opposition, a dynamic fraught with tension and defiance.
The nationwide uprising of 2022, which extended into 2023, sent shockwaves through the regime, revealing a populace unwilling to relent in the face of oppression. Despite the regime’s pervasive security apparatus aimed at quelling dissent, the persistence of protests underscores a formidable organizing force at play. The mass arrest of over 3,600 members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) Resistance Units serves as a stark testament to this reality.
In response to the uprising, the regime escalated its oppressive tactics, seeking to stifle any semblance of resistance. Yet, acts of defiance persisted as bold youths targeted symbols of oppression and Revolutionary Guards bases, with incidents numbering approximately 3,006. The MEK Resistance Units spearheaded a wave of activities, conducting 27,726 operations across Iran, including graffiti campaigns and dissemination of anti-regime messages, instilling fear within regime officials.
The exposure of a confidential document in October, outlining directives from the IRGC’s Commander-in-Chief, Hossein Salami, highlighted the regime’s heightened paranoia and efforts to fortify its grip on power. Moreover, the regime’s attempt to downplay its waning influence was evident during the February boycott of the regime’s parliamentary elections, facilitated by extensive reporting by citizen journalists associated with Simay-e Azadi.
Even as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged the threat posed by the resistance in his Nowruz message, the regime persists in its crackdown, exemplified by the sham trial of 104 MEK and NCRI members. This trial, occurring decades after the 1988 massacre of thousands of MEK supporters, underscores the regime’s desperation to maintain control and delegitimize dissent.
However, despite the regime’s efforts to suppress the MEK’s influence, societal discontent persists, fueled by a desire for regime change and the establishment of a democratic republic. As the Iranian regime grapples with mounting opposition, its future remains uncertain in the face of a determined resistance movement.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
