The Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) should be returned to international terrorist lists. This redesignation is not merely a policy recommendation but a necessary correction based on documented historical facts. The organization's past actions and role in Iran's political history provide compelling evidence for this position.
Founded in the 1960s, the MEK emerged from a fusion of Marxist principles and radical Islamist elements. US government archives and academic research confirm that during the 1970s, the group was involved in lethal attacks against the Shah's government and Western interests in Iran, including attacks on American personnel stationed in Tehran.
As Iran approached its revolutionary moment in 1979, the MEK formed tactical coalitions with other opposition factions, including the Tudeh (communist) Party, in what became known among Iranians as the "Red and Black Reaction." Despite ideological differences, these groups shared the goal of deposing the Shah. Historical records document that the MEK initially expressed support for the Islamic regime, sending a telegram addressing Khomeini as "O Khomeini, O Great Mojahed." This alliance significantly contributed to the establishment of the Islamic Republic – a system that continues to challenge regional stability today.
Declassified intelligence and academic sources reveal that MEK members received training in Palestinian guerrilla camps in Lebanon during the 1970s. The organization's early publications contained repeated condemnations of what they termed "Zionist imperialism," demonstrating a historical antagonism toward Israel despite later attempts to rebrand its image.
Reports from Human Rights Watch and other independent observers have documented concerning internal practices based on interviews with former members, including allegations of enforced celibacy, forced divorces, separation of family members, and mandatory ideological re-education sessions. When French authorities detained MEK leadership during a 2003 investigation, several supporters engaged in self-immolation in protest – events thoroughly covered by international media.
Why redesignation is necessary
The decision to remove the MEK from terrorist lists appears to have prioritized political considerations over substantive evaluation of the group's fundamental nature and documented history. This delisting occurred despite significant unresolved questions about the organization's violent past and without compelling evidence of genuine reform.
To what extent might organizations with reportued ties to the MEK – operating under different names – be engaged in political lobbying abroad, without consistently clarifying their connection to the MEK? This critical question remains largely unaddressed in policy discussions.
Redesignation would restore integrity to counter-terrorism frameworks by ensuring consistent application of standards based on factual historical records rather than political expediency. Proper designation decisions must be grounded in thorough assessment of an organization's documented history and demonstrated actions.
The Iranian perspective
Numerous surveys, independent interviews, and media coverage indicate that inside Iran, the MEK is broadly discredited. Many Iranians across generations associate the group with betrayal and violence. Contrary to the image the group projects abroad, the people of Iran overwhelmingly do not see the MEK as a viable or legitimate alternative to the current regime. Instead, many Iranians rally behind King Reza Pahlavi, viewing him as a unifying national figure who represents secularism, historical continuity, and a return to monarchy.
For many Iranians, both within the country and throughout the diaspora, the events of 1979 continue to shape political consciousness. Many believe they were betrayed twice: first by the Islamic Republic, and second by the groups that helped establish it. This perspective is critical for understanding Iranian political sentiment today.
Conclusion: Respecting historical truth
Reinstating the MEK's terrorist designation would be a step toward historical accuracy and political integrity. It would signal respect for documented facts and acknowledge the voices of Iranians who have lived through the consequences of the organization's actions.
Policy decisions regarding Iran must be based on historical realities rather than political convenience or media campaigns. The MEK's documented role in the establishment of the Islamic Republic, its militant past, and its controversial practices call for critical evaluation and political accountability.
The call for redesignation is not based on political preferences but on widely documented history, legal records, and personal testimonies. Returning the MEK to international terrorist lists would contribute to a more honest and transparent approach to Iran – one that respects both factual accuracy and the Iranian people's aspiration for a peaceful, transparent future free from extremist influences.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available historical records, declassified intelligence, academic publications, and documented events. All assertions refer to historical matters and are attributed to credible sources. The purpose of this article is historical analysis and public education on matters of geopolitical significance.
