Why Iran's Modern Society Rejects the MEK as a Viable Opposition

The author contends that the Mojahedin-e Khalgh Organization, under Maryam Rajavi, cannot deliver the democratic transformation some Western observers hope for, as it is rooted in outdated leftist-Islamist ideology. Historical actions such as the 1975 killings of U.S. officers and wartime alliance with Saddam Hussein have fostered deep resentment among Iranians. Meanwhile, Iran’s urban centers like Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Shiraz showcase a vibrant, modern culture with gender-balanced university enrollment and active participation of women in the workforce and arts.

These societal shifts have created a demand for liberal democracy, but the MEK lacks the necessary popular legitimacy and track record. The author warns that relying on the MEK would jeopardize Iran’s development and could be more detrimental than the current regime. The piece concludes that genuine political reform, not the MEK, is essential for Iran to strengthen ties with the West.