BEHIND THE IRAN HEADLINES Series, November 15, 2024, Alireza Jafarzadeh, NCRI-US Deputy Director
Iran’s November 2019 uprising marked a decisive turning point in the nation’s effort to overthrow clerical tyranny in pursuit of democracy, justice, and peace.
The most significant outcome of this powerful uprising was the reinforced belief that the regime’s overthrow was within reach, even though over 1,500 protesters were massacred by the IRGC following Ali Khamenei’s direct orders.
The November uprising proved that the Iranian people united with their organized Resistance and sought freedom by overthrowing the entire regime. It demonstrated that regime change is achievable.
At the time, regime officials acknowledged the expanded strategy of the MEK-affiliated Resistance Units and their significant role in shaping and leading the uprising. The Ministry of Intelligence stated: “According to security forces, the MEK played a significant role in these riots. This reality becomes clearer when we realize that in the past 40 years, the MEK has seized every opportunity to create unrest and instability in the country.”
Mohammad-Taqi Shahcheraghi, the IRGC commander of Qom, remarked: “The MEK’s role in the recent incidents in the country was very prominent, managing and influencing activities in several cities, leading to widespread destruction.”
The November uprising was also marked by the remarkable leadership shown by courageous women in the streets, leaving the regime baffled. The IRGC-affiliated Fars News published screenshots showing women directing protesters at various locations. Referring to these women as “field commanders,” Fars News reported: “Women, seemingly aged 30 to 35, play a special role in leading the disturbances. Each woman has a distinct role; one records the protests, another stops vehicles, and yet another incites the people.”
Another IRGC-affiliated newspaper, Javan, noted: “The manner in which women participated closely resembled the tactics employed by the MEK.”
IRGC commander Salar Abnoush described the November 2019 uprising as akin to “a full-scale world war” that “suddenly engulfed the entire country… Only God saved us!”
With the clerical regime buckling under mounting internal pressure and growing foreign isolation, the patriotic struggle waged by Iranians and their organized Resistance against the ruling religious fascism will soon triumph, heralding the dawn of a free and democratic republic.