On February 17, Aftenposten published an opinion piece that utilized sources from the Iranian regime, seemingly aimed at tarnishing the reputation of opposition leader Reza Pahlavi during a time where the regime appears weakened and public sentiment is rallying around Pahlavi's leadership. The piece suggests that if the regime were to execute an influence operation, it would resemble the content of Aftenposten's publication. The author of the article claims to support another regime opponent, Maryam Rajavi, who has led the organization Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) for several decades.

The Mojahedin-e Khalq was part of the militant religious opposition against the Shah of Iran but lost power after the 1979 revolution. The group carried out terrorist attacks which led to their designation as a terrorist organization in various countries and collaborated with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The legacy of violence associated with the MEK has fostered significant public dissatisfaction towards the group, limiting its appeal to the Iranian populace.

This critical portrayal of Pahlavi, interwoven with support for Rajavi and the controversial MEK, sheds light on the complex and precarious nature of Iranian politics. With the regime struggling to maintain control amidst rising opposition, the debate over which figure represents the best hope for Iran's future is far from settled. The implications of such narratives in the media highlight the significant role of public perception in shaping political dynamics in a country facing internal turmoil and external scrutiny.