Iranian Exile Groups Lobby US as Regime Faces Pressure

As the war in Iran intensifies, exiled opposition groups are intensifying their lobbying efforts in Washington, hoping to position themselves as potential leaders of a post-regime Iran. Two prominent groups, the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) and the supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah, are actively seeking to influence US policy and gain recognition as viable alternatives to the current theocratic government.

MEK’s Decades-Long Pursuit of Influence

The Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), also known as the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, has spent decades cultivating relationships with US politicians. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the US office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), MEK’s political arm, stated, “It’s our moment,” signaling the group’s belief that the current conflict presents a unique opportunity to achieve its long-held goal of regime change. Financial Times

Following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th, the NCRI announced the formation of a provisional government, led by Maryam Rajavi, intended to transfer sovereignty to the Iranian people and establish a democratic republic.

MEK’s efforts have been supported by prominent US political figures, including former Democratic Senator Robert Torricelli, who serves as one of the group’s legal representatives. Torricelli believes MEK is uniquely positioned to play a role in a future Iran, stating it is “the only diaspora group with a broad reach internationally” and has “taken real action against the government.” Financial Times

Controversies Surrounding MEK

Despite its lobbying success, MEK remains a controversial organization. Critics point to its past as an armed group, its inclusion on the US terror list until 2012, and its alliance with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war. Some analysts, like Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute, believe MEK has “absolutely zero role or potential” in a post-regime Iran. Financial Times

Founded in 1965 as a leftist-Islamist group, MEK initially opposed the Shah before clashing with the Islamic Republic after the 1979 revolution. Wikipedia The group has been accused of violence and civilian casualties during its attacks on Iranian officials and institutions.

Reza Pahlavi’s Bid for Leadership

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah of Iran, is also vying for influence in Washington. He has been actively engaging with US lawmakers and foreign diplomats, seeking to present himself as a unifying leader capable of leading a democratic transition. Pahlavi has received backing from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI). Financial Times

However, Pahlavi’s efforts have been met with mixed reactions. Former President Donald Trump described Pahlavi as a “very nice person” but suggested that a leader “from within” Iran might be more appropriate. Financial Times Critics have also criticized his public relations strategy as amateurish, citing a recent campaign involving mass emails to policymakers.

Financial Backing and Lobbying Efforts

Both MEK and Pahlavi have benefited from financial support from various sources. From 2012 to 2025, the NCRI paid Torricelli’s firm, Rosemont Associates, $2.8 million. Financial Times John Bolton and Mike Pence have also received payments for speaking engagements at NCRI rallies. Financial Times

MEK’s Removal from Terror List

A significant turning point for MEK came in 2012 when the US State Department revoked its designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization after a lengthy legal battle. NCRI Prior to this, the group had scored a coup in 2002 by revealing the existence of Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Natanz uranium enrichment plant.

The Future of Iran’s Opposition

The outcome of the current conflict and the future role of these exiled groups remain uncertain. While MEK is better organized and has a longer track record of lobbying in Washington, Pahlavi has gained some momentum with the recent protests in Iran. The success of either group will depend on their ability to garner support within Iran and convince the international community that they represent a viable path towards a democratic future.