Iran's Influence Operation and Michael Rubin's MEK Obsession

Michael Rubin has parroted oft-refuted Iranian regime’s propaganda at the expense of intellectual growth.

Whenever Iran’s ruling theocracy faces challenges, Rubin serenades us with his go-to tune – vilifying Iran's primary opposition, the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK). His dogged commitment to parroting the regime's line by branding the MEK as a 'cult' verges on a tragicomedy. This is while the regime's Foreign Ministry spokesman echoed the same tune against the MEK just last month.

In discussing the position of U.S. lawmakers on these issues, a more balanced and evidence-based perspective should prevail, rather than Rubin's immaturely regurgitated and simplistic narratives.

Distorting Rep. Brad Sherman's support for the MEK is not just deplorable; it's a gross misrepresentation. He stands among more than 3,600 parliamentarians from 40 countries who've voiced support for the MEK this year alone. In March, a majority in the House of Representatives once again supported the movement, followed by 125 former world leaders. So, it is Rubin's own labeling of the primary Iranian opposition as a "cult" that truly undermines the Iranian people's quest for a democratic Iran.

Perhaps it's time Rubin traded some of his monotonous karaoke for a dose of intellectual honesty.

As the regime's favorite fable-fibber in Washington, Rubin's far-fetched propaganda against the MEK have been debunked more times than a fake Rolex at a pawnshop. They are straight from the regime's Ministry of Intelligence playbook. In fact, his claims often cite his own articles, creating an echo chamber of Rubinception.

Iran's Influence Operation Exposed

As Rubin obsessively rehashes the regime's favorite talking points, the world tunes in to a different melody. Recent revelations about the Iran Experts Initiative (IEI) have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. The IEI, according to news reports, was an undercover network of Western experts advising governments while surreptitiously taking cues from Tehran's Foreign Ministry.

Their objective: spruce up the regime's image while undermining the MEK as a "cult," a label coined by the regime. With the MEK's significant advancements in recent years, the regime has desperately relied on self-styled 'experts' like Rubin and IEI's purported specialists to undermine the organization and hinder its recognition as a credible alternative to the mullahs.

What's more, three of Robert Malley's aides, working with the Biden administration's special envoy for Iran, were part of the regime's covert influence operation – Ariane Tabatabai, Ali Vaez, and Dina Esfandiary. Predictably, they, along with some regime operatives previously exposed by the Pentagon, have echoed the "cult" mantra. Rubin's penchant for keeping dubious company is becoming all too apparent.

Strangely, Rubin appears to have selective hearing. Even as the IEI revelation sends ripples through the Iran-focused community, he has remained notably quiet. One can't help but wonder if Rubin's fixation on the MEK is a diversion tactic, especially considering his previous suspicious activities, such as his mysterious trips to Iran, which he has yet to adequately explain.

As Rubin continues his one-man karaoke show, relentlessly belting out his "cult" classics, it's worth pondering whether the spotlight will eventually shift to a web of connections involving him and other self-styled conservative pundits.

The recent IEI exposé casts a long shadow over Rubin's inexplicably selective interests. Rather than addressing these allegations, Rubin yet again singles out the MEK, raising questions about whether, in practice, he offers invaluable support to the true cult – the fundamentalist regime in Tehran, particularly when it faces negative news in the US.

When it comes to discussing Iran policy, Rubin might be the embodiment of the "useful idiot" he so often accuses others of being. Bravo once more, Mr. Rubin, for a performance that's as reliably repetitive as it is bewildering.

Safavi (@amsafavi) is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)