The
The
The
  • Disinformation
  • Disinformation
  • Disinformation
war
war
war

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) aims to establish a democratic and secular republic, opposing all forms of dictatorship, whether from the theocratic rule of the Mullahs or the one-party rule of the Shah and his secret police, SAVAK. Due to this stance, the Iranian regime has waged a persistent disinformation campaign against the NCRI, portraying it as a cult, accusing it of terrorism, and spreading false narratives. Despite these efforts, the NCRI's resilience and documentation of the regime's abuses have maintained international support for their cause. Each year, the regime invests significant resources to discredit the NCRI and stifle its efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and secular governance in Iran.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) aims to establish a democratic and secular republic, opposing all forms of dictatorship, whether from the theocratic rule of the Mullahs or the one-party rule of the Shah and his secret police, SAVAK. Due to this stance, the Iranian regime has waged a persistent disinformation campaign against the NCRI, portraying it as a cult, accusing it of terrorism, and spreading false narratives. Despite these efforts, the NCRI's resilience and documentation of the regime's abuses have maintained international support for their cause. Each year, the regime invests significant resources to discredit the NCRI and stifle its efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and secular governance in Iran.

To demonize the NCRI and PMOI/MEK, the Iranian regime has:

To demonize the NCRI and PMOI/MEK, the Iranian regime has:

To demonize the NCRI and PMOI/MEK, the Iranian regime has:

  • Created

    198

    Movies and TV shows

  • Produced

    881

    “Documentaries” and TV programs

  • Published

    600

    Books

  • Generated millions of articles

    25,331

    articles and videos by the MOIS-affiliated Nejat Society over 20 years (3-4 daily)

  • Generated millions of articles

    17,563

    articles by the Habilian Association over 17 years (2-3 daily)

  • Generated millions of articles

    12,501

    articles and videos by Faragh (MOIS affiliate) within 8 years (4-5 daily)

  • Deployed an

    80,000

    strong cyber army focused on anti-MEK propaganda across all online channels

  • Spent

    MILLIONS

    annually on hit pieces and smear campaigns in Western media

  • Created

    198

    Movies and TV shows

  • Produced

    881

    “Documentaries” and TV programs

  • Published

    600

    Books

  • Generated millions of articles

    25,331

    articles and videos by the MOIS-affiliated Nejat Society over 20 years (3-4 daily)

  • Generated millions of articles

    17,563

    articles by the Habilian Association over 17 years (2-3 daily)

  • Generated millions of articles

    12,501

    articles and videos by Faragh (MOIS affiliate) within 8 years (4-5 daily)

  • Deployed an

    80,000

    strong cyber army focused on anti-MEK propaganda across all online channels

  • Spent

    MILLIONS

    annually on hit pieces and smear campaigns in Western media

  • Created

    198

    Movies and TV shows

  • Produced

    881

    “Documentaries” and TV programs

  • Published

    600

    Books

  • Generated millions of articles

    25,331

    articles and videos by the MOIS-affiliated Nejat Society over 20 years (3-4 daily)

  • Generated millions of articles

    17,563

    articles by the Habilian Association over 17 years (2-3 daily)

  • Generated millions of articles

    12,501

    articles and videos by Faragh (MOIS affiliate) within 8 years (4-5 daily)

  • Deployed an

    80,000

    strong cyber army focused on anti-MEK propaganda across all online channels

  • Spent

    MILLIONS

    annually on hit pieces and smear campaigns in Western media

Disinformation Tactics

Disinformation Tactics

Psychological Warfare
Psychological Warfare
Psychological Warfare
Legal and Political Manipulations
Legal and Political Manipulations
Legal and Political Manipulations
Syrianization Myth
Syrianization Myth
Syrianization Myth
Character Assassination
Character Assassination
Character Assassination
Infiltration and Espionage
Infiltration and Espionage
Infiltration and Espionage
Diplomatic Pressure
Diplomatic Pressure
Diplomatic Pressure
Demonization
Demonization
Demonization
Influencers
Influencers
Influencers
Cyber Warfare
Cyber Warfare
Cyber Warfare
The 80/20 Policy
The 80/20 Policy
The 80/20 Policy
Key Points

The Iranian regime’s disinformation campaign has mixed results. While complicating NCRI’s efforts, the group's resilience ensures its message continues to resonate. 


The NCRI counters by increasing transparency, engaging in public relations, and leveraging international legal mechanisms. 


The international community plays a crucial role by critically assessing information and supporting independent investigations. 


Despite obstacles, the NCRI’s commitment to exposing falsehoods and promoting democracy in Iran garners ongoing support.

Fact Check

The Iranian regime, through its Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and aligned media and influencer networks, has led a relentless disinformation campaigns against the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and the broader Iranian Resistance. This list exposes the myths and reveals the facts about the PMOI/MEK's true mission, activities, and impact.

Myth
MEK is a Cult and Terrorist Organization
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK is a Cult and Terrorist Organization
Myth
MEK is a Cult and Terrorist Organization
Fact
Myth
MEK Has Used Child Soldiers
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK Has Used Child Soldiers
Myth
MEK Has Used Child Soldiers
Fact
Myth
MEK’s Relocation of Children During the Gulf War Was Cruel
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK’s Relocation of Children During the Gulf War Was Cruel
Myth
MEK’s Relocation of Children During the Gulf War Was Cruel
Fact
Myth
The MEK was Designated as a Terrorist Organization for Engaging in Terrorism
Fact
Myth
Fact
The MEK was Designated as a Terrorist Organization for Engaging in Terrorism
Myth
The MEK was Designated as a Terrorist Organization for Engaging in Terrorism
Fact
Myth
MEK is a Religious Cult
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK is a Religious Cult
Myth
MEK is a Religious Cult
Fact
Myth
MEK Lacks Support Inside Iran
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK Lacks Support Inside Iran
Myth
MEK Lacks Support Inside Iran
Fact
Myth
MEK is Marginal and Insignificant
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK is Marginal and Insignificant
Myth
MEK is Marginal and Insignificant
Fact
Myth
MEK cooperated with Saddam Hussein's Regime during the Iran-Iraq War
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK cooperated with Saddam Hussein's Regime during the Iran-Iraq War
Myth
MEK cooperated with Saddam Hussein's Regime during the Iran-Iraq War
Fact
Myth
MEK Members are Brainwashed and Abused
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK Members are Brainwashed and Abused
Myth
MEK Members are Brainwashed and Abused
Fact
Myth
MEK is a Foreign Puppet
Fact
Myth
Fact
MEK is a Foreign Puppet
Myth
MEK is a Foreign Puppet
Fact

Why the Uprising didn't lead to revolution

Why the Uprising didn't lead to revolution

The Iranian uprising that began in September 2022, ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, showcased the Iranian people's profound desire for change. Despite widespread protests and the remarkable unity against the oppressive regime, the movement did not culminate in a full-scale revolution.

The Iranian uprising that began in September 2022, ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, showcased the Iranian people's profound desire for change. Despite widespread protests and the remarkable unity against the oppressive regime, the movement did not culminate in a full-scale revolution.

1

Historical and Contemporary Forces

A significant reason lies in the dual impact of historical and contemporary forces. The legacy of the Pahlavi dynasty, known for its secret police and autocratic rule, has left deep scars. Many fear that any upheaval might lead to a return to dictatorship. This historical apprehension, combined with the current regime's brutal repression and propaganda, hindered the revolutionary potential.

2

Legacy of the Pahlavi Dynasty

The Shah's rule, characterized by the suppression of dissent through SAVAK, fostered a lingering distrust toward movements that might seem sympathetic to monarchical rule. The regime exploited this sentiment, presenting the people with a false dichotomy: a return to the Shah’s dictatorship or continued clerical rule. This strategy sowed doubt and division among protestors, undermining the movement’s momentum.

3

Brutal Repression and Propaganda

The regime's brutal tactics, including executions and direct fire on protesters, also slowed the uprising. Under Raisi and the IRGC's consolidation of power, dissent was met with extreme measures. Over 700 protestors were killed and thousands arrested, illustrating the regime’s readiness to maintain control by any means. Additionally, propaganda painted the opposition as fractured and manipulated by foreign interests, further discrediting the movement.

4

Distrust of Monarchical Figures

Reza Pahlavi, despite his attempts to position himself as a leader, failed to garner widespread trust. His refusal to condemn his family's past atrocities, coupled with his inconsistent political stances, further alienated potential supporters. His engagement with elements of the IRGC and the Basij, seen as key to his strategy for regime change, also raised suspicions about his true intentions.

The Iranian people are not merely seeking a change of rulers but a complete systemic overhaul. They reject both the monarchy and the current theocracy, as evidenced by their chants of “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader [Khamenei].” The ongoing protests and the organized nature of the movement signal a strong foundation for eventual democratic change. Despite the regime's efforts to stall progress, the perseverance and courage of the Iranian people remain a hopeful sign for the future.

The Iranian people are not merely seeking a change of rulers but a complete systemic overhaul. They reject both the monarchy and the current theocracy, as evidenced by their chants of “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader [Khamenei].” The ongoing protests and the organized nature of the movement signal a strong foundation for eventual democratic change. Despite the regime's efforts to stall progress, the perseverance and courage of the Iranian people remain a hopeful sign for the future.

Glossary

Glossary

PMOI (People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran)

Also known as the MEK, this is an Iranian opposition group advocating for a democratic and secular Iran. It was founded in 1965 to oppose the Shah and later the Islamic Republic of Iran.

MEK (Mujahedin-e Khalq)

Another name for the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). The MEK has played a significant role in the Iranian resistance movement against both the Shah and the current regime, promoting democratic values and human rights.

NCRI (National Council of Resistance of Iran)

Founded in Tehran in 1981, the NCRI is a broad coalition of democratic Iranian organisations, groups and personalities, which serves as a parliament-in-exile. The NCRI works to establish a secular democratic, and non-nuclear republic in Iran.

Resistance Units

Organized groups of activists inside Iran affiliated with the MEK. They conduct various forms of protest and dissemination of information to undermine the regime and support the broader goals of the Iranian resistance movement in overthrowing the regime.

Shah

The Shah refers to the former monarch of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose dictatorship was marked by a one party authoritarian rule and the use of the secret police, SAVAK, torture and execution to suppress dissent and opposition.

SAVAK (Organization of National Intelligence and Security of the Nation)

The secret police, domestic security, and intelligence service established by Iran's Shah. Known for its brutal tactics, torture and human rights abuses, it was disbanded after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

MOIS (Ministry of Intelligence and Security)

The primary intelligence agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, responsible for internal security, intelligence gathering, and conducting disinformation campaigns against opposition groups like the MEK.

Ashraf (Camp Ashraf)

PMOI/ MEK's headquarters. It is a symbol of the MEK's resilience and determination, despite numerous attacks from both the Iranian and Iraqi governments.