Despite severe crackdowns by the Iranian regime, major protests in Iran have entered their eighth month, with Iranians demonstrating their unwavering determination to achieve regime change at all costs.

The ongoing uprising has revealed several undeniable facts about the regime, society, and the role of Iran’s principal opposition, the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The continuation of protests despite the authorities’ heavy quash has laid bare the regime’s weakness and how these protests were organized. It also brought the regime’s absolute deadlock into the spotlight, with the clerical regime having no solution for the country’s crises but to oppress the people who ask for their rights.

This oppression has increased society’s restiveness, causing uprisings to follow each other since 2018. Moreover, the prospect of the regime’s downfall forced the international community to consider this option, resulting in more pressure on the regime. The nationwide uprising has revealed the regime’s weakness, debunking its “regional power” rhetoric. In fact, each uprising since 2018 has considerably weakened the ruling theocracy.

However, the demonstrations that erupted following Mahsa Amini’s brutal and tragic murder# in September were a turning point, causing the regime to lose whatever was left of its waning legitimacy outside the country. The slogans targeting the regime’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, such as “Death to Khamenei” and “Khamenei you murder, we will bury you,” confirm this fact.

Another fact is that Iran’s society is the hotbed of protests. The country’s financial calamity and social problems, created or exacerbated by the regime, have turned Iranian society into a powder keg. The regime’s days are numbered, and regardless of its ability to quash protests and momentarily quell society, anything could spark another uprising. The fire of dissent is still alit under the ashes. Additionally, through their operations and campaigns, the MEK’s Resistance Units network inside Iran has been keeping this fire aflame.

The ongoing uprising in Iran is distinct because the regime has exhausted all tactics to divert it from its intended course. The regime would deflect the protests in the past by blaming problems on reformists or hardliners. However, the people have seen through this ruse with the slogan, “Reformists, hardliners; the game is over.” The regime also tried to promote support for the ousted Shah dictatorship to quell calls for democracy, but these efforts also failed.

With regime change on the horizon, the international community should change its approach beyond vocal support and condemnations of the regime’s crimes. Insisting on negotiations with the current regime is like betting on a dead horse in a race. Instead, the world community should increase pressure on the regime by blacklisting the IRGC as a terrorist entity and recognizing the people’s right to self-defense.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu

Follow