In a desperate bid to maintain power and instill fear following the nationwide January uprisings, the religious dictatorship in Iran has resorted to brutal repression. Under leadership of Ali Khamenei’s son, the regime has so far hanged eight members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
Furthermore, at least a dozen protesters from the December-January uprising have been executed, and another detained protester from the uprising was killed under torture. However, these executions have completely backfired. Instead of retreating, PMOI Resistance Units across Iran have intensified their campaigns, openly honoring the martyrs and reiterating their commitment to overthrowing the regime.
Swearing on the blood of the martyrs to continue the struggle
On May 5, Resistance Units took to the streets across multiple cities to pay direct homage to the recently executed PMOI members, proving that the spirit of resistance cannot be extinguished. In Iranshahr and Karaj, members bravely held placards reading, “We swear on the blood of the martyrs that we will stand till the end.” In Mashhad, a Resistance Unit member held a sign that read, “Salute to these steadfast Mojahedin and the proud examples of sincerity and sacrifice.” Meanwhile, in Zahedan, activists painted graffiti directly targeting the regime’s leadership with the message, “Down with Khamenei the murderer.”
May 5—Iran
PMOI Resistance Units reiterate their support for the Provisional Government of the NCRI and the Ten-Point Plan of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. They also reiterated their commitment to continue the struggle to overthrow the regime and to establish a democratic republic. pic.twitter.com/nDlXvQhpSp— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 7, 2026
Widespread support for the NCRI’s provisional government
The organized resistance has coupled its defiance with a clear political alternative. On February 28, 2026, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) announced the establishment of a provisional government aimed at transferring sovereignty to the Iranian people.
This provisional government is tasked with organizing free elections for a Constituent Assembly within a maximum of six months after the regime’s overthrow. Resistance Units are actively popularizing this democratic vision. In Bushehr and Ahvaz, members held placards declaring, “We support the provisional government of the Democratic Republic of Iran based on Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan.” In Qaen, a member displayed a sign reading, “Democracy and freedom with Maryam Rajavi — the Democratic Republic is the only way to save Iran.”
Rejecting both past and present dictatorships, members in Karaj and Bushehr held placards stating, “No to monarchy and no to religious dictatorship — neither Mojtaba [Khamenei] nor Pahlavi — yes to democracy and equality,” and “Down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the supreme leader.”
Zahedan
"Down with Khamenei the murderer" pic.twitter.com/xjwHbXdIBC— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 7, 2026
The growing prominence of the National Liberation Army
The ruling regime stands at the brink of overthrow, viewing deep-seated popular outrage and organized resistance as the primary threats to its existence. During the January uprisings, the Resistance Units played a significant role by carrying out 630 operations against centers of the Revolutionary Guard and Basij.
On February 23, 250 PMOI fighters launched an attack on Khamenei’s headquarters and other principal state centers, resulting in around 100 fighters being killed or arrested. Operating in multiple units of the Liberation Army in Tehran, they have struck fear into the regime.
Reflecting this growing military readiness, armed members of the Resistance Units in Kermanshah were seen holding placards reading, “Salute to Rajavi. Viva the National Liberation Army,” and giving military salutes to a printed emblem of the NLA. Similar bold displays promoting the NLA were recorded in Isfahan, Damavand, and Dezful, with posters promising that “The spring of freedom will come with the National Liberation Army.”
Damavand
"Viva the National Liberation Army" pic.twitter.com/DHIAIfs2J6— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 7, 2026
As the NCRI has stressed, lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through the overthrow of the religious dictatorship by the people of Iran and the organized resistance, and the establishment of a democratic republic. The courageous daily activities of the Resistance Units demonstrate that despite executions and mass deployments of security forces, the Iranian people remain resolute in their march toward freedom.