Political Situation in Iran

Mr. Jafarzadeh spoke to the National Press Club on political issues in Iran and the Middle East. He is a spokesman for the People's Mojahedin of Iran, also known as the National Liberation Army, an opposition group to the current Iranian administration. The People's Mojahedin are dedicated to "democratic Islam," and train with tanks and equipment supplied by Iraq. Mr. Jafarzadeh criticized the "moderate" reforms by the administration in Iran, saying internal oppression and international terrorism continue to be practiced by the Iranian government. He said the Iran had announced in internal government discussions that the American hostages being held in Lebanon were not to be released, and were being held as a political trump card for Iran. The Iranian government, Mr. Jafarzadeh claimed, actually held control over the release of the hostages, not a political group in Lebanon as announced by an Iranian spokesman. He went on to describe the totalitarian principles practiced by the government in Iran. A short promotional video on the People's Mojahedin, or the National Liberation Army of Iran, was shown during the question and answer period following the remarks of the speaker.