Neither Shah nor mullahs: Iran’s Resistance Units rally for a democratic republic

2026-03-28 - 15:20

Amidst wartime conditions and the clerical regime’s persistent threats to crack down on dissidents, the brave activists of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) Resistance Units have launched a new wave of anti-regime activities. On March 27, 2026, activists in the southeastern city of Zahedan took to the streets, projecting a message of defiance and readiness. By installing posters and holding placards, the Resistance Units reiterated their unwavering support for the Provisional Government announced by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and demanded a democratic republic that rejects all forms of dictatorship. Rejecting hereditary tyranny A core pillar of the Iranian Resistance is the rejection of any return to the monarchical dictatorship of the past, alongside the determination to overthrow the current theocracy. In Zahedan, this principle of “Neither Shah nor Mullahs” was on full display. Activists held placards reading, “A dictatorship is a dictatorship, whether with a turban or a crown,” and “No to shah, no to mullahs, yes to freedom and democratic republic.” March 27—Zahedan, southeast Iran PMOI Resistance Units resume anti-regime activities, reiterating their support for the NCRI's Provisional Government and a democratic republic that rejects all forms of dictatorship. pic.twitter.com/KAdyyQ7Vs9 — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 28, 2026 The Resistance Units directly challenged the concept of inherited rule—a poignant message as the mullahs’ regime operates as a hereditary dictatorship just like the ousted monarchy. Placards declared, “The son of Khamenei and son of the Shah will be of no use to anyone,” and reminded the public that “The sovereignty of the Iranian people is not the inheritance of the mullahs and the shah.” Grassroots backing for the Provisional Government The activities in Zahedan demonstrated widespread grassroots support for a democratic alternative to the current religious fascism. On February 28, 2026, the NCRI formally announced the formation of a Provisional Government to lead Iran through a transitional period following the regime’s overthrow. Founded on NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, the Provisional Government mandates the dissolution of suppressive bodies like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), rejects absolute clerical rule, and ensures gender equality and pluralism. "The slogan of the Provisional Government is peace and freedom" pic.twitter.com/Zf0lA3PMoo — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 28, 2026 Echoing this roadmap, Zahedan activists held signs reading, “In face of the bloodthirsty tyranny of the mullahs, the people of Iran have introduced a democratic alternative.” Highlighting the contrast between the ruling regime and the Resistance’s vision, other placards read, “The slogan of the Provisional Government is peace and freedom,” and “There will be a spring in which the people will be in power and women will have an active role in political leadership.” The solution comes from the Iranian people Currently, the Middle East has plunged into military confrontation, with foreign strikes targeting the Iranian regime’s military and nuclear infrastructure—a direct result of the mullahs’ illicit nuclear pursuits and regional proxy wars. However, the Resistance firmly maintains that military strikes from foreign powers will not bring true liberation. "The son of Khamenei and so of the Shah will be of no use to anyone" pic.twitter.com/On5EVMYJji — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) March 28, 2026 In a recent message, Maryam Rajavi emphasized the safety of civilians and declared, “No future for Iran can be realized from the outside; it can only be built by the Iranian people themselves.” This sentiment was mirrored by the Resistance Units on the ground. Defying the regime’s security apparatus, activists in Zahedan made it clear who will bring about the dawn of a free Iran, holding placards that read, “The force that will free Iran from dictatorship are the people,” and “The overthrow of the mullahs’ regime requires fighters on the ground.”