MEK’s growing influence pushes Tehran to appeal to global community

By
Staff Writer
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In an uncharacteristic move, the Iranian regime has been publicly pleading with foreign nations, defying historical precedent and potentially putting its global reputation, and that of its Western allies, in jeopardy.

This departure from traditional diplomatic norms underscores the challenges the Iranian government faces from a resilient opposition group.

 

On August 14, Naser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, openly called upon the international community to suppress the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK). During a press conference, Kanaani expressed his expectation that no UN member nation would provide any form of support to the “terrorist group.”

He further insinuated that countries not adhering to this request would face potential repercussions as they would be acting against Iran’s national security. The regime’s media has also been actively spreading unverified reports that the MEK is considering moving its base to Canada. This claim was prominently highlighted by the IRGC-controlled Tasnim news agency on August 12.

 

 

Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy for international affairs and human rights for Iran, affirmed the regime’s intentions of taking legal action against the MEK, singling out 107 of its senior members. In a prior interview on June 24, 2022, he revealed that in interactions with European representatives, the regime often raised the issue of what it derogatorily calls the “Hypocrites” – referring to the MEK.

Leveraging its perceived victories against the MEK, such as the release of convicted terrorist-diplomat Asadollah Assadi and restrictions on the Free Iran World Summit in 2023, the Iranian regime has been proclaiming its dominance in various media outlets. The Kayhan newspaper even ran an article suggesting France and Albania’s reactions to the MEK as proof of Iran’s might.

 

Various officials, including the Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib and MP Mohammad Esmail Kosari, have been vocal about their perceived success against the MEK, revealing the regime’s increasing concern regarding the group’s influence.

Historically, discussing the MEK was a fraught issue within Iran, with most avoiding the topic altogether. Nevertheless, recent uprisings and the opposition’s rising prominence have forced the regime to confront the issue head-on, as is evident from the multitude of platforms they now utilize to address the MEK for local audiences.

 

As the regime becomes increasingly transparent in its efforts against the MEK, it is evident that the organization has become a significant challenge for Tehran
As the regime becomes increasingly transparent in its efforts against the MEK, it is evident that the organization has become a significant challenge for Tehran.

 

A revealing interview with Javad Muguee, a documentary director linked to the regime’s intelligence operations and a self-proclaimed MEK expert, encapsulates the shifting dynamics. Muguee notes the MEK’s evolution in Iranian public perception, particularly since the 2000s, and the renewed focus on past persecutions. The world will undoubtedly watch closely as this situation unfolds.

 

 

 

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

 

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