A former CIA officer has shed light on the controversial history of the Iranian opposition group MEK, which is currently based in Albania.
In a recent podcast hosted by Tucker Carlson, ex-CIA officer John Kiriakou discussed the origins and evolution of the People's Mujahedin of Iran, also known as MEK. According to Kiriakou, the group was founded in the 1960s and carried out attacks in Iran during the 1970s, including alleged assassination attempts targeting U.S.-linked officials.
Kiriakou claimed that the organization later established a base in Iraq before relocating to Europe after being expelled during the era of Saddam Hussein. He also referred to internal controversies surrounding leadership, including claims related to Maryam Rajavi, though he noted that some of these allegations remain unverified.
The former intelligence officer further stated that around 2009, during the administration of Barack Obama and then–Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, MEK intensified lobbying efforts in Washington and was eventually removed from the U.S. list of terrorist organizations. He described how prominent political figures from both major parties publicly supported the group, reflecting its shifting position in international politics.
Since 2018, MEK members have been relocated to Albania, where they are based in a secured camp in Manzë, near Durrës. Their presence has drawn ongoing international attention due to the group’s complex history, political activities, and role in Iranian opposition movements.