Iran Honors Sacred Defense: A Tribute to Resistance Against the Ba’athist Regime
On September 22, 1980, Saddam Hussein’s army, backed by both Western and Eastern powers, launched an invasion of Iran’s southwestern territories, marking the start of what is known as the Imposed War. This conflict came just a year after Iran experienced a significant democratic Islamic revolution in February 1979. The Iranian people refer to this war as “imposed” because it was instigated against their will, and the aggressor underestimated the resilience of the Iranian resistance.
The war, which lasted for eight grueling years, saw Iranians unite in their struggle to reclaim their occupied lands, referring to this effort as the holy or Sacred Defense. The initial shock of the invasion quickly transformed into a robust resistance movement aimed at expelling the invaders.
From the outset, Iran sought an official acknowledgment that Iraq was the aggressor in this conflict. However, neither the Iraqi Ba’athist regime nor major international powers were willing to recognize Saddam’s actions as the starting point of the war.
Throughout the eight-year conflict, the United Nations Security Council, influenced by powerful nations that armed Saddam’s regime, failed to take an impartial stance. Notably, when Saddam publicly repudiated the 1975 Algiers Agreement and commenced the invasion, the Security Council remained silent on which side had violated the principle of Non-Use of Force.
The Iraqi Ba’athist regime often cited previous border skirmishes as a justification for its invasion. They claimed their actions were a response to a long history of border disputes. However, the truth was that Saddam, emboldened by the political instability and rapid changes in post-revolutionary Iran, was eager to act. His ambitions were likely fueled by hostile Western states displeased with the outcome of the Islamic Revolution.
It was not the United Nations Security Council, but rather UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar who officially identified Iraq as the aggressor in a report presented to the UN in December 1991. This declaration was significant as it reinforced Iran’s right to self-defense during the conflict.
The motivations behind Saddam’s invasion may have included a desire to annex parts of the oil-rich Khuzestan region, which is home to a substantial ethnic Arab population. This strategic goal added another layer to the complex political landscape of the war.
To commemorate the Sacred Defense Week and the 45th anniversary of the onset of the Iraqi-imposed war, Iranian armed forces conduct parades annually. These events showcase various branches of the military, including:
- Iranian Navy
- Air Force
- Army Ground Force
- Airborne Division
- Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)
- Police Forces
These nationwide parades serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the enduring spirit of the Iranian people. They reflect not only military strength but also national unity in remembering a pivotal moment in Iran’s history.
In conclusion, the legacy of the Iran-Iraq War continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region. The memories of conflict, resistance, and the assertion of national sovereignty remain etched in the collective consciousness of the Iranian people. The annual parades during Sacred Defense Week serve as a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on this significant historical event, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of the conflict and the ongoing relevance of its lessons in contemporary geopolitics.
