Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), recently shared her insights into the ongoing instability in Iran and the broader Middle East. Rajavi leads the NCRI, the largest Iranian dissident organization, which aims to replace Iran’s theocratic regime with a democratic system. Her comments followed significant rallies held by the NCRI, in Berlin and Paris, which drew tens of thousands of demonstrators and featured speeches from prominent international figures.
Iranian Regime’s Middle East Interference
Rajavi asserts that the Iranian regime is in its “final stages,” with its current policies aimed solely at delaying its inevitable downfall. She links the regime’s involvement in regional conflicts to its efforts to divert attention from domestic crises, describing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s strategy as one of creating external conflicts to manage internal turmoil. According to Rajavi, the instability and wars in the Middle East are largely a result of the Iranian regime’s expansionist policies, which have been enabled by years of Western appeasement.
Strategies to Counter Iran’s Destabilizing Actions
The NCRI leader emphasizes the need for decisive action against the Tehran regime, which she labels as the primary source of regional instability. Rajavi criticizes Western governments for their concessions, which she believes only embolden the regime. She argues that substantial financial incentives and agreements, such as the nuclear deal, have failed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Rajavi posits that true peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through the overthrow of the Iranian regime by the Iranian people and their resistance movements.
Iran’s Internal Weaknesses and Raisi’s Death
Contrary to perceptions of Iran’s regional interference as a sign of strength, Rajavi contends that it highlights the regime’s internal vulnerabilities. She outlines several critical issues facing the regime, including a volatile society, economic collapse, and leadership challenges following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rajavi views Raisi’s death as a significant blow to Khamenei’s strategy and predicts it will lead to increased internal crises and opposition activity.
The Political Vacuum and Future of Iranian Politics
Rajavi expresses skepticism about Khamenei’s ability to fill the political vacuum left by Raisi. She describes the Iranian electoral process as fundamentally flawed and controlled by unelected bodies loyal to Khamenei. The recent presidential elections, she argues, were a sham, with 88% of eligible voters boycotting the polls, indicating widespread disillusionment with the regime.
The Role of Women and the Current State of Resistance
Highlighting the active role of women in the 2022 uprisings, Rajavi attributes this to their historical involvement in political movements and the inspirational leadership within the MEK. Despite the regime’s brutal crackdowns, she believes Iranian society remains on the brink of explosion, with ongoing resistance activities indicating a persistent demand for change.
Expectations from Western Governments
Rajavi calls on Western governments to stop supporting the Iranian regime and instead hold it accountable for human rights violations. She urges the international community to recognize the legitimacy of the Iranian people’s struggle for democracy and to impose stringent sanctions on the regime. By doing so, she believes the international community can support the Iranian people’s efforts to achieve freedom and stability.
Rajavi’s vision underscores a critical juncture for Iran, as internal and external pressures converge, potentially heralding significant political changes in the near future.