In a recent episode of “Iran: The Untold Story Podcast”, Senator Robert Torricelli, a former U.S. Senator, and U.S. Attorney, provided a robust defense of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK). The conversation covered the organization’s potential role in a democratic Iran, the leadership of Maryam Rajavi, and the MEK’s enduring commitment to freedom and human rights.
Sen. Torricelli emphasized the importance of a transition from dictatorship to democracy in Iran, citing the MEK’s preparedness for such a transition. He stated, “The idea isn’t simply to end dictatorship in Iran. You did that once with the Shah. This time, it’s not stolen. You need to go from dictatorship, oppression, and poverty to a democratic government that offers prosperity and guarantees of rights and rejoins the world community.” He highlighted the MEK’s depth of talent and international reach, arguing that the organization is uniquely positioned to lead Iran toward democracy if the current regime falls.
Sen. Torricelli also praised Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), for her unwavering dedication and leadership. “Mrs. Rajavi gets up every single day, putting her life on the line. Members of her family have been murdered in the streets for the struggle. Every day she wakes up with one focus: ending the dictatorship. Nothing less is required to end a regime like this.”
Discussing the Ten-Point Plan proposed by Rajavi, Torricelli stressed its significance as a roadmap for Iran’s future. He also noted his visits to Camp Ashraf and the resilience of the MEK members: “Those people now are in Albania at the urging of the United States government and other Western governments because they deserve safe sanctuary. There’s a great spirit there of people who are focused on a free Iran, work for it every day, are incredibly committed, and have shown exemplary courage.”
In the podcast, Senator Torricelli also addressed the widespread demonization of the MEK, which he attributed to the Iranian regime’s propaganda efforts. He recounted how false narratives have been constructed to discredit the organization, noting, “The problem with giving me that propaganda is I know all of them and I’ve seen all of them. People in Ashraf are living good lives. They’re dedicated to their work. They’re the freest Iranians in the world because they can say anything they want; and do anything they want. Most of it is just nonsense.”
The former US Senator pointed out that the regime’s significant investment in these smear campaigns underscores the threat they perceive from the MEK: “You may not think they’re a threat, but the mullahs clearly do. And I doubt they’re wrong. They may be evil, but they’re not stupid. They know where the threat is coming from.”
Sen. Torricelli also discussed the nature of splintered opposition movements, drawing historical parallels to the American Revolution and World War II. “Until the moment of victory, there were people undermining George Washington for the leadership of the Continental Army. The U.S. Revolution was split into five different ways. Up until the moment of victory in World War II, the French resistance was split in two with two different leaders,” he explained. This, according to Sen. Torricelli, is not only normal but expected in liberation movements: “Not only is it not unusual, this is the rule. There’s a lot at stake. People have their own vision, which is why we have tried to argue within the MEK and the NCRI that it is a broad enough umbrella. As long as they’re democratic and free and respect human rights and nonviolent, there’s room for everybody.”
Senator Torricelli made it clear that there is no room for a return to the past. “There are some people who are royalists who would like to see the monarchy return. There’s no room for them because we’re not going to trade the Shah for the mullahs for another Shah. That’s out of the question,” he asserted.
He concluded with a warning about the challenges of sustaining democracy post-regime change, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and effort: “I know the day that the regime falls, which could be tomorrow, it could be two years from now, but as I’ve said, it’s obviously coming. There are many Iranians who will rest and say, well, we did it. It’s over. We survived the Shah. We ended the theocracy. Now we’ve got a free Iran. We’re done. No, you’re not. Democracy is fought for every day.”