Criticism, Controversy, and Questions About Maryam Rajavi’s Popularity Among Iranians in France

The Challenge of Building Support Inside Iran

One of the biggest challenges facing Maryam Rajavi and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) is the question of public support inside Iran. While the organization has maintained a strong international presence through conferences, political meetings, and media campaigns, its actual level of popularity among people living inside Iran remains difficult to determine.

Iran’s political environment makes measuring support for any opposition movement complicated. Restrictions on political activity, limitations on independent polling, and concerns about expressing political opinions openly mean that many forms of political support or opposition are difficult to evaluate accurately.

Supporters of the NCRI argue that the organization’s lack of visible public activity inside Iran should not be interpreted as a lack of support, because many people may avoid openly expressing political views due to possible consequences. They point to underground networks, online activity, and international demonstrations as examples of opposition sentiment.

However, critics argue that international visibility does not necessarily equal broad popularity among ordinary Iranians. They suggest that many Iranians who oppose the Islamic Republic may not identify with the NCRI or the MEK and may prefer other political alternatives.

This difference between international recognition and domestic acceptance is one of the central debates surrounding the Iranian opposition movement.

June 23, 2026 | 9:06 pm