Isolated from the international community, over the past year, the Iranian regime has been completely engulfed in domestic crises. As a result, 2021 saw a new peak of escalating demonstrations and protests by a frustrated, enraged society. The level of unrest across Iran has greatly highlighted the Iranian people’s demand for the overthrow of their theocratic, fascist rulers.
Playing a significant role in the organization of the protests and demonstrations, across the country, is the network of ‘Resistance Units’ who are affiliated with the regime’s main opposition, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
The Chairman of the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s (NCRI) Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Mohammad Mohaddessin, was questioned in regard to this developing topic.
When questioned about what the Resistance Units are, Mohaddessin said, “What has kept this illegitimate regime in power after 43 years is its practice of unbridled domestic crackdown. The religious dictatorship, with dozens of intelligence, military, and security institutions, has gone the distance to keep this notion of fear alive throughout the Iranian society that the regime is strong, and no internal or external force can stand against it.”
This fear is not just limited to domestic borders either. Through the regime’s proxy groups and their missile program, this sense of fear is being expanded across the Middle East.
Mohaddessin described the ‘Resistance Units’ as “sledgehammers that break this atmospheric crackdown.” They have established a vast network across Iran, with groups of “brave youths” who are fighting to take down the religious dictatorship once and for all, and it is apparent that they are on the verge of accomplishing that goal.
For the question of how many resistance units exist in Iran, and whether this movement is nationwide, Mohaddessin stated that the network, which has been active for the past five years, contains thousands of young Iranians in “many cities, towns, and villages across the country.”
Discussing how these units are able to stand up against the regime, he stated that the members are able to communicate at a deep personal level with people in their local areas to plant the ‘idea’ and ‘mentality’ of resistance, and then to expand to the broader public, social media platforms are the preferred method to share the message.
He said, “What is important is the fact that weapons and technology lack the will to overcome an organized force that relies on its people and has a legitimate objective. Such an entity is able to expand, and nothing can stand in its path.”
In regard to the topic of any threats faced by the individuals within the Resistance Units, Mohaddessin explained that a large number of people been arrested during their various activities, and even subjected to torture. The regime has often issued death sentences for these individuals also, with many of them being killed during crackdowns of protests at the hands of the regime’s security forces.
A pertinent question posed was in regards to the regime’s involvement in the current negotiations over its nuclear program, and what impact these are likely to have within Iranian society.
Mohaddessin stated that ‘change is a duty that rests on the shoulders of the Iranian people and their organized resistance’, and highlighted that the appeasement policy that has been applied to the regime by international powers, along with the concessions that has been given to them, are the only things that are keeping the rule of the mullahs alive.
Mohaddessin said, “In such circumstances, we are hoping that the global community stands firm against the regime and not allow the fascist mullahs to take advantage of the international community’s soft approach, especially that of the West.”
The NCRI began discussing about the unrest inside Iran, and the subsequent protests against the regime, five years ago. The final question during Mohaddessin’s interview queried whether the developments so far are heading towards fundamental change in Iran.
His response was that the Iranian Resistance “will most definitely trek down the final segments of this journey.”
Mohaddessin said, “The Resistance Units’ message to the world is: Don’t fear this regime and stand firm against it. Borrowing this line from the brave protesters inside Iran, we say to all outside of Iran: Have no fear! The Iranian people are united against this regime!”
