Negar Mortazavi
Negar Mortazavi is an Iranian-American journalist and political commentator known for her controversial views on U.S.-Iran relations and her perceived alignment with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s (IRI) narrative. Mortazavi has faced significant criticism from both Iranian dissidents and the broader Iranian diaspora for her commentary, which many argue serves the interests of the Iranian regime rather than advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Iranian people.
Mortazavi’s public positions—such as her opposition to sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—have raised serious concerns among her critics, who accuse her of downplaying the regime’s crimes. For instance, after the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane by the IRGC in January 2020, Mortazavi controversially described the event as a “tragedy of human error” and praised the Iranian military’s statement as a sign of “good governance.” This defense of the regime’s actions, which many saw as an attempt to minimize the regime’s responsibility for a heinous act, has fueled further accusations that Mortazavi is an apologist for the IRI.
Moreover, Mortazavi’s rhetoric often appears disconnected from the realities on the ground in Iran. Despite her limited influence—evident from her tweets garnering few engagements—she claims to speak for the concerns of ordinary Iranians. She has stated that Iranians fear the aftermath of a regime overthrow, suggesting they prefer the status quo over the uncertainty of change. Critics, however, argue that these comments mirror the IRI’s propaganda, designed to instill fear, hopelessness, and resignation among the Iranian population. Mortazavi’s statements echo the very tactics used by the regime in forced confessions and state-controlled narratives—sowing doubt and discouraging efforts toward meaningful change.
Her support for former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, despite widespread knowledge that Zarif held little actual power and was merely executing the directives of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has further fueled accusations that she is complicit in the regime’s propaganda efforts. Mortazavi’s defense of Zarif, often presented as a softer alternative to directly supporting Khamenei, aligns with the IRI’s broader strategy of presenting a more palatable face to the West while continuing its repressive policies at home.
Mortazavi’s positions not only undermine the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom but also contribute to legitimizing a regime that continues to oppress, imprison, and execute dissidents. She is part of a larger group of commentators who sanitize the regime’s actions for Western audiences, making its crimes appear more palatable while failing to address the fundamental injustices faced by the Iranian people.
Many view Negar Mortazavi as a regime apologist who uses her platform to perpetuate narratives aligning with the Islamic Republic’s interests. Her opposition to sanctions, defense of regime figures like Zarif, and minimization of the regime’s crimes contribute to a discourse that protects the IRI while disregarding the genuine aspirations of the Iranian people for justice, freedom, and democracy.
