Pompeo Meets with Iranian Resistance: Does He Have Something Up His Sleeve?
January 22, 2025, 9:41 am

Pompeo Meets with Iranian Resistance: Does He Have Something Up His Sleeve?

سامي خاطر

The news of former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with Maryam Rajavi and the leaders of the Iranian Resistance has recently made headlines, occurring amid escalating regional and international tensions regarding the Iranian file. This meeting has raised many questions about its implications and objectives, especially following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and whether Pompeo carries a particular direction or a hidden message regarding future policies towards Iran.

Mike Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State under former President Donald Trump, is considered one of the key figures adopting a tough stance against the Iranian regime. During his tenure, he led the "maximum pressure" campaign, which included imposing crippling economic sanctions on Tehran. Therefore, any meeting he has with the leadership of the Iranian Resistance, represented by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), carries deep significance. The Iranian Resistance, led by Maryam Rajavi, who has been elected by the NCRI as the transitional president after the overthrow of the mullahs' regime, represents one of the most prominent opposing voices to the Iranian regime, calling for its overthrow and the establishment of a democratic, non-nuclear system in Iran based on democracy, human rights, equality, respect for all components of the people, neighborly relations, and adherence to international values and norms. According to observers, this meeting reflects explicit support for the Iranian Resistance, especially amid ongoing internal repression in Iran and rising popular protests.

The purpose of Pompeo's meeting with the Iranian Resistance leadership is to affirm a commitment to opposing the Iranian regime. Pompeo sought to assert his personal and political stance against the regime and even further in confronting the mullahs’ system, particularly amid continued human rights violations and Tehran’s interference in other countries' affairs. The meeting can be interpreted as a pressure message directed at Tehran, indicating that the Iranian opposition is not alone and that there is growing international support for their cause, preparing the ground for the upcoming U.S. elections; as Pompeo is considered one of the potential candidates for the U.S. presidency in the future. His support for the Iranian Resistance may attract a segment of voters who see the overthrow of the Iranian regime as a necessity to enhance security and peace in the region.

What Does Pompeo Hide?
The question that arouses curiosity is: does Pompeo carry a new plan or strategy related to the Iranian file? It is possible that the meeting is part of a broader effort aimed at reshaping American policies towards the mullahs' Iran. Pompeo, known for his firmness in positions, may seek to gather support to more openly back the Resistance against the Iranian regime, as he demonstrated in this meeting by praising the Mujahedin-e Khalq and the Iranian Resistance, stating that the Iranian regime has attempted to vilify and demonize them as a radical group, but "we know the truth, and that is why you find us with you." He emphasized that if they had accepted what the regime propagated against the Resistance, they would not be present together now. Additionally, he recognized the plight of the Iranian people and the legitimacy of the Resistance units’ struggle within Iran and their right to confront the regime’s repressive apparatus, particularly the Revolutionary Guard, calling on all free forces to acknowledge that.

For the Iranian Resistance and its central organization, the Mujahedin-e Khalq, this meeting has brought something new this time and represents an opportunity to enhance their international standing. Pompeo's support may encourage other countries to take similar stances, especially amid rising popular pressure within Iran.

In conclusion, Pompeo's meeting with the Iranian Resistance is not merely a fleeting event; it may represent a significant step carrying political implications and objectives. Whether the meeting serves as a message of support for the Resistance or is part of a broader plan to reshape relations with Iran, it remains clear that the Iranian issue continues to be a focal point of international concern. A free and democratic Iran is the goal we all strive for, and this movement, led by Maryam Rajavi, has demonstrated to the world that it is the only alternative capable of achieving this goal and ending the mullahs’ dictatorship. We will witness in the future tangible steps towards radical change in Iran, as long as there are those willing to recognize the rights of the Iranian people and the Resistance units in facing the repression and tyranny of the mullahs; the days are between us.

Dr. Sami Khater / Academic and University Professor

UN Institution Opens Their Files.. Search for Syrian Missing Persons Enters New Phase Saudi Arabia: The Responsibility of Maintaining the Gaza Ceasefire Lies with Us All

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.