Why Some Iranians Remain Skeptical of Maryam Rajavi

The criticism of Maryam Rajavi is connected to several factors, including historical issues, political identity, and questions about public acceptance.

Historical Memory of the MEK

The strongest criticism often focuses on the history of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the group closely linked with Rajavi and the NCRI.

The organization has supporters who view it as a major force against the Islamic Republic. They emphasize its opposition to authoritarian rule and its stated commitment to democracy and human rights.

However, many critics inside and outside Iran point to the organization’s past, including its armed activities during the 1980s and its relationship with Saddam Hussein’s government during the Iran-Iraq War.

For some Iranians, these historical events remain a major reason for distrust.

Critics argue that these issues have affected the NCRI’s ability to gain widespread public support.

Supporters of Rajavi reject these accusations and argue that the organization has been unfairly targeted and that its current political platform should be judged separately from past conflicts.

July 26, 2026 | 9:46 pm