Role in the Revolution
The MEK played a significant role in the lead-up to the Iranian Revolution of 1979. It was one of the many groups that actively participated in the anti-Shah movement, contributing to the mass protests and civil unrest that ultimately led to the Shah’s downfall. However, the MEK’s relationship with the new Islamic Republic, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, quickly soured.
The MEK initially supported the revolution, believing that it would pave the way for a democratic and socialist Iran. However, as the new regime consolidated power, it became clear that Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic government differed drastically from the MEK’s aspirations. The Islamic Republic began to suppress opposition groups, including the MEK, which resulted in a violent crackdown on the organization’s members and supporters.
By the early 1980s, the MEK had become one of the most prominent opposition groups to the Islamic Republic. In response, the regime launched a brutal campaign against the organization, arresting, torturing, and executing thousands of MEK members and sympathizers. This period of intense repression forced the MEK to go underground and operate clandestinely within Iran.
Transition to Armed Struggle
Faced with severe repression, the MEK transitioned from political activism to armed struggle against the Islamic Republic. In 1981, the organization launched an armed uprising, which was swiftly crushed by the regime. Following this failed uprising, the MEK leadership fled Homeland, eventually establishing a base of operations in Iraq.