As Regime Struggles to Maintain Control Resistance Plans Future of Iran

In Iran, the regime continues to face internal resistance as the economic and social struggles come to a head. Protests are being held on a daily basis throughout the country. These protests start on a variety of issues, but ultimately turn to the call for regime change. There are members of the Iranian resistance coalition, known as the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), who have been vocal in calling for regime change, but also in laying out their vision for the future of Iran.

The largest member of this coalition is the PMOI/MEK, which has been vocal in its criticisms of the regime for decades. Although they did use military tactics in raids and attacks against the Iranian government during the 1980s, the group has since turned to more peaceful methods, including building political support within the international community.

The Trump Administration Gives New Hope

As U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action flawed and pulled out of it in May, he gave fresh hope to the Iranian resistance. For years, they had called for an end of the appeasement of the Iranian regime and now it appeared that at least one country was willing to do so.

With the bite of new sanctions and the renewal of others, plus the push to eliminate Iranian oil sales, the regime is finding itself on the defensive. The Iranian people are calling out the corruption and repressive measures, realizing that the actions of the regime are now having even more serious economic consequences for them. Now the Iranian people appear unwilling to be distracted by yet another war in the region, a tactic often used by the regime in the past.

While the civil unrest has been giving the resistance a chance to force regime change, the mullahs themselves have been fighting back against the group, creating propaganda campaigns to smear the reputation of the PMOI/MEK in Albania and around the world. They have also backed attempted terrorist attacks, including one attempt at the Free Iran Gathering in Paris this past June.

Building New Camp But With Purpose

With the backdrop of the shifting political climate, the Iranian resistance has begun to build a camp in Albania. There the focus is on creating regime change and bringing a democracy to Iran. Many of the members can recall experience of violence against themselves or family members by the regime.

Others have lost family members to execution by the regime. There are young people who have never lived in a different Iran, but they want something better for the next generation.

Part of their efforts include actively reaching out to the international community for support, while encouraging protests in Iran. Part of their plan for Iran is built upon the 10-Point Plan outlined by NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi.

With the changes in Iran and the continued struggles the regime is having internationally, it appears now that their hopes for Iran could be coming true.