In a recent episode of “The Untold Story” podcast, Lincoln Bloomfield Jr. provided an in-depth analysis of the Iranian regime’s tactics and the ongoing misinformation campaigns orchestrated by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). Amb. Bloomfield, who has extensive experience within the national security bureaucracy, drew comparisons between the intelligence strategies of the Soviet Union, China, and Iran, highlighting how each has posed unique challenges to the United States.
The former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs elaborated on Tehran’s strategy centers on misinformation and deception, particularly regarding its nuclear program.
Amb. Bloomfield further highlighted how the Iranian regime manipulates international focus by emphasizing its nuclear program, thereby diverting attention from its internal issues and the fundamental lack of legitimacy. “We all mobilize around nuclear negotiations… There’s no room left to talk about Velayat Faqih,” he said, pointing out how this strategic distraction has allowed the regime to avoid scrutiny over its oppressive governance and violations of human rights. He stressed the importance of understanding the regime’s Achilles heel—its failure to gain the support of intellectuals, minorities, and women, who reject the regime’s version of Islam.
On "The Untold Story Podcast", Amb. Lincoln Bloomfield reveals the #Iranian regime's disinformation strategies and the MEK's 45-year battle against the regime's oppression. #FreeIran2024 pic.twitter.com/DUXWymIlx5
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 19, 2024
The discussion also touched on the Iranian regime’s efforts to demonize the MEK through disinformation campaigns. Amb. Bloomfield emphasized the significance of recognizing and countering these tactics, noting, “This jihad… started when Ruhollah Khomeini, the former Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader, couldn’t get the support of the smart, intellectual Muslims, minorities, women. They wouldn’t go along with his version of Islam. That’s his Achilles heel.” By peeling away the layers of misinformation and focusing on the regime’s inherent lack of legitimacy, Amb. Bloomfield argued that the true nature of the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy becomes clearer.
The podcast also delved into the historical context of the regime’s animosity toward the MEK, dating back to a crucial moment in 1979. Bloomfield recounted how Massoud Rajavi, the founder of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), refused to support Khomeini which led to a fatwa condemning Rajavi and his supporters to death.
“For 45 years—I can walk you through it—they’ve been trying to kill the MEK,” Amb. Bloomfield noted, citing numerous assassination attempts and terrorist plots, including a 2018 bombing attempt at a rally in Paris. This relentless pursuit underscores the regime’s fear of the MEK’s influence and its commitment to exposing the regime’s illegitimacy.
