Resistance Units Reject Monarchy and Clerical Rule, Call for Popular Sovereignty and Democratic Republic
Zahedan, southeast Iran — March 20, 2026 — Marking the Persian New Year, Nowruz, Resistance Units affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) carried out coordinated anti-regime activities in Zahedan, underscoring their commitment to regime change and the establishment of a democratic republic based on popular sovereignty.
The activists displayed banners and circulated messages in public areas, voicing support for a provisional government under the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). They stressed that such a transitional framework is aimed not at seizing power, but at transferring sovereignty to the people of Iran.
Emphasis on “No to Shah, No to Mullahs”
A central theme of the action was the rejection of all forms of dictatorship. Protest slogans repeatedly highlighted the resistance movement’s long-standing position: opposition to both the current clerical regime and any return to monarchy.
Messages such as “No to Shah, no to mullahs—yes to a democratic republic” and “Down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the supreme leader” reflected a broader call for a political system rooted in democratic principles.
Participants described the current struggle as part of a century-long conflict between freedom and tyranny in Iran, asserting that neither monarchical nor theocratic rule represents the will of the people.
"Down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the supreme leader" pic.twitter.com/KjHSmOoW1f
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 21, 2026
Support for Transitional Government and Popular Sovereignty
The banners prominently expressed support for a provisional government tasked with facilitating a peaceful transition of power. According to the Resistance Units, this framework has been embedded in the NCRI’s political platform for decades and remains central to its vision for Iran’s future.
Protesters emphasized that the sovereignty of Iran belongs exclusively to its people and “is not the inheritance of the shah or the mullahs.” They reiterated that the Iranian people will not compromise on their freedom or national sovereignty, describing it as a “red line.”
Warning Against Authoritarian Alternatives
The slogans also cautioned against what activists described as attempts to rebrand authoritarian rule. References were made to internal political dynamics, including criticism of figures associated with both monarchist circles and the ruling establishment.
In particular, protesters warned that political maneuvering by rival factions ultimately serves to reinforce authoritarian control, pointing to the consolidation of power within the current regime.
"All of the futile efforts of the son of the son of the Shah inside Iran ended up benefiting the son of the mullah Mojtaba Khamenei" pic.twitter.com/qMdumHW5Cl
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 21, 2026
Continued Resistance and Outlook for Uprising
Framing the situation as a decisive confrontation, participants declared that the main conflict lies between the Iranian people and organized resistance on one side, and religious fascism on the other. They expressed confidence that ongoing protests and uprisings will ultimately lead to the overthrow of the regime.
Slogans described the growing unrest as an unstoppable force, predicting that “the volcano of the people’s rage” will dismantle the ruling system.
The action also highlighted unity among Iran’s diverse population, reaffirming that freedom and democracy remain the shared demand across ethnic and political lines.
