Iranian Response to Allegations Tied to the Alejo Vidal-Quadras Incident
The Iranian government issued a formal condemnation in response to information linking Tehran to the attack on Alejo Vidal-Quadras. It described the incident as an act of terrorism carried out by the People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran, known as PMOI or MKO. The message framed the attack as part of a broader pattern of violence attributed to the MKO and reinforced Iran’s stance that terrorist acts must be met with accountability. Solidarity with victims remains a central priority in its foreign policy narrative.
The Iranian Embassy in Spain released a statement through its public channels noting that no individual named Vidal-Quadras or any armed attack occurred in Madrid. Instead, the embassy portrayed the event as part of a broader struggle against terrorism and criticized what it described as the MKO faction. In the embassy’s view, the MKO is responsible for a substantial number of civilian casualties. The message asserted that the Islamic Republic would continue to oppose terrorism in all its forms and to pursue justice for those affected. The embassy’s post characterized the MKO as a sect and asserted that the group has caused extensive harm to innocents over many years. This history is presented as a key factor in its current policy stance.
The embassy highlighted a history of violence linked to the MKO, stating that 17,000 innocent lives have fallen victim to the organization’s terrorist acts. It argued that the Iranian nation has endured substantial harm from terrorism and has consistently stood against such violence. This framing positions Iran among the longer standing victims of terrorism and reinforces a narrative of resilience and resolve in countering extremist violence. The post emphasized that fighting terrorism and bringing perpetrators to justice are core principles and priorities of Iran’s foreign policy, signaling a consistent, long term commitment to international security and order. The message condemned any terrorist operations and called for accountability across all fronts.
Within the same communications thread, the embassy defended its nation’s stance against violent extremism while explaining its broader diplomatic approach to security. It stressed that Tehran’s policy is not limited to rhetoric but is aimed at concrete action to prevent further attacks and to support international efforts to dismantle terrorist networks. The post suggested that the Iranian government views terrorism as a global challenge that requires coordinated, principled responses and ongoing vigilance to protect civilians and institutions alike.
In relation to political movements and opposition groups, the article notes that Vidal-Quadras has been associated with positions or organizations that Iran views as aligned with the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Tehran considers the NCRI to be a political umbrella for the armed activities linked to PMOI, and thus sees Vidal-Quadras as a figure entwined with those networks. As a result, he has been placed on sanctions lists maintained by Iran. The connection drawn between Vidal-Quadras and the NCRI is presented as part of a broader Iranian effort to identify and address perceived threats to its sovereignty and public safety, while also signaling transparency about the country’s diplomatic stance toward groups it designates as hostile.
Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI leader, weighed in on the matter by attributing the attack to the Iranian regime. She framed the incident as a clear sign of religious fascism characteristic of the regime she opposed. Her comments reinforced the NCRI position that the attack lies within a broader struggle against Tehran and its allies, arguing that the Iranian government bears ultimate responsibility for violence against political opponents. This exchange reflects the deep, ongoing geopolitical rift between Tehran and opposition coalitions abroad, underscoring how security crises are frequently reframed by different actors to align with their strategic narratives and domestic messaging.