On February 20, 2026, PMOI Resistance Units in Zahedan, southeast Iran, resumed their weekly public activities. Against the backdrop of the regime’s recent suppressions, these activists took to the streets to reiterate their unwavering commitment to the struggle for regime change and the establishment of a free and democratic republic. Holding placards and banners in public spaces, the Resistance Units emphasized that the Iranian people reject all forms of dictatorship and will not accept a return to the past.
Their messages included clear declarations such as, “Down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the supreme leader,” and “No to monarchy, no to the supreme leader, yes to freedom and equality.” The activists highlighted the historical continuity of tyranny in Iran, declaring, “Monarchy, mullahs’ rule, one hundred years of crimes,” and asserting that “The people of Iran throw the shah and mullahs’ regimes to the dustbin of history.”
February 20—Zahedan, southeast Iran
PMOI Resistance Units resume weekly activities, rejecting shah and mullahs' regime and reiterating their commitment to the struggle for regime change a free and democratic republic. pic.twitter.com/WgC1wNqtkJ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 21, 2026
This latest act of defiance from Zahedan takes place in the immediate aftermath of a massive, nationwide wave of protests. The uprising erupted on December 28, 2025, initially by bazaari shopkeepers and merchants in central Tehran. Driven by grievances over the rial’s sharp plunge, price spikes, and fears of bankruptcy, the strike quickly turned into full-scale anti-regime protests that spread to cities across. The slogans quickly shifted from economic demands to calls for regime change.
In response, the regime implemented a severe communications blackout and engaged in brutal repression, killing thousands of people—including hundreds of children—into January 2026. As the Resistance Units in Zahedan rightly noted, “Khamenei showed that he is willing to commit the greatest slaughter in the street but will not back down from the decaying rule of the mullahs.”
"The people of Iran throw the shah and mullahs' regimes to the dustbin of history" pic.twitter.com/ArV5DWH5A9
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 21, 2026
Despite the heavy human toll exacted by the regime, the Iranian people remain focused on a forward-looking democratic revolution. In Zahedan, the Resistance Units warned against political opportunists, stating that “The remnants of the shah dictatorship are futilely trying to derail the uprising and hijack the blood and suffering of the people.” The guiding principle of “no to shah, no to mullahs” was front and center, with Resistance Units stressing that this equates to the rejection of dictatorship and foreign dependence, thereby paving the path to freedom and true independence.
Underscoring their refusal to return to the tyrannical past, the activists boldly declared, “We will not shake hands with the mullahs or the remnants of the shah regime.” Furthermore, protesters issued a stark warning to the current supreme leader, stating that “Khamenei should join the shah as soon as he can,” drawing a direct and poignant parallel to the monarch who was forced to flee the country as the 1979 revolution unfolded.
"Iran will only reach freedom through uprising and organized resistance." pic.twitter.com/NoYuKDrVyR
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 21, 2026
The public displays in Zahedan demonstrate that “The Iranian society is moving toward a democratic revolution for the establishment of a democratic republic.” The Resistance Units emphasized that systemic change cannot come from within the regime, noting that “Iran will only reach freedom through uprising and organized resistance,” and pointing out that rebellious youth and Resistance Units play a pivotal role in this movement.
They also presented a clear roadmap for the future, stating that “The democratic alternative is the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the PMOI, who rely on their networks inside Iran’s cities.” Finally, they issued a direct and urgent call to the international community: “The world must recognize the struggle and Resistance of the Iranian people for the overthrow of the regime and the right of the rebellious youth to fight against the terrorist IRGC.”