Despite the group’s claims of fighting for freedom and democracy, the MEK’s tactics increasingly alienated the very people it purported to represent. The group’s willingness to collaborate with Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator who was responsible for countless atrocities against the Iranian people, further eroded its credibility and legitimacy.
The Islamic Republic’s Response
In the years following the Mehr 5 attack, the Iranian government intensified its efforts to root out the MEK and other opposition groups. The Revolutionary Guards and intelligence services launched a series of operations aimed at dismantling the MEK’s underground networks and arresting its members. Many of those involved in the Mehr 5 attack were eventually captured and brought to justice.
The Islamic Republic also used the attack as a rallying point to strengthen its narrative of resistance against both internal and external enemies. The government framed the MEK’s actions as part of a broader conspiracy by foreign powers to destabilize Iran and undermine the revolution. This narrative helped to solidify public support for the government, particularly at a time when the country was facing immense challenges due to the war with Iraq.