A Fractured Opposition: Why Iran’s Exiles Remain Divided

By MG Paul Vallely, US Army (Ret)
A Supporting Member of Cyrus Force Iran

The Iranian opposition, particularly in exile, stands at a critical juncture. While figures like Reza Pahlavi continue to dominate the discourse, they have yet to offer a clear or unifying vision. The divide within the opposition—between loyalists, detractors, and sidelined factions—has paralyzed momentum at a time when the Iranian people are demonstrating their readiness for genuine change. Initiatives such as Cyrus Force’s roadmap may not have garnered widespread attention, yet they reflect a shift toward grounded, strategic thinking that transcends slogans and nostalgia. As a new generation of Iranians asks difficult questions about their future, the opposition must either rise to meet the moment—or risk fading into irrelevance.

At a time when the Iranian opposition is in dire need of cohesion, political maturity, and strategic vision, Reza Pahlavi has not only failed to play the role of a unifying figure, but—according to many—has become one of the main sources of division, confusion, and fatigue within the political opposition. Even Empress Farah has not been blind to this reality. In response to dozens of complaints and criticisms from loyalists of the Pahlavi legacy, she gave only one brief and bitterly honest reply:

“There is nothing I can do. Today, Reza’s hair has turned gray, his three daughters are now mature women, and a new generation of Iranians is asking fresh questions about the past, present, and future of this dynasty—questions that can no longer be answered with slogans or silence.”

Looking across the diaspora, the opposition abroad has effectively split into two major camps: one composed of flatterers and loyalists devoted to Reza Pahlavi, and the other consisting of critics who stand in direct opposition to his leadership. A third group also exists—namely the NCRI- Mujahidin-el Khalq (MEK) Organization, led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi—but their role has remained marginal due to their controversial past.

Meanwhile, for several years now, Cyrus Force has been presenting a concrete roadmap to liberate Iran from the cancerous grip of the clerical regime. His effort focuses on drawing the attention of U.S. policymakers to eight specific articles within the Islamic Republic’s constitution that promote hostility and terrorism against the United States. His argument is that current sanctions are ineffective and, in fact, aid the regime in further plundering Iran. He advocates for smart sanctions—targeted measures against the thieves and looters inside the system—rather than blanket embargoes.

If the U.S. government officially adopts the two proposals put forth by Cyrus Force—not to help Iran, but in service of American interests—then the dormant fire beneath the surface of Iran’s “Women, Life, Freedom” movement will erupt once again. This uprising, at its core, is a direct challenge to Articles 5 and 8 of the Islamic Republic’s constitution. Should this spark reignite, the path toward genuine constitutional reform—from grassroots elections to the formation of a Constituent Assembly and the drafting of a new constitution—can begin without foreign interference.

It is worth noting that Cyrus Force published this roadmap last year in both English and Persian, and even prior to Donald Trump’s election, he had already shared it with several prominent American figures. Today, he pays little attention to the theatrics and ineffectiveness of much of the exiled opposition.

Mr. Karami, who is familiar with Cyrus Force’s plans, asked us to conduct an interview with him on the subject of Iran’s constitutional history—both the 1906 Constitution and the current one of the Islamic Republic. You can watch the YouTube video of our interview at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk8pFthgVgA

The Iranian Americans of CYRUS FORCE,

P.O. Box 43 Boca Raton, FL 33429 Tel: (561) 289 5588

www.CyrusForce.org

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