In the message issued on the anniversary of the operation Zolfaghari, the Leader recalled the popular resistance and military action that drove Iraqi Baathist forces out of Abadan Island just 40 days after the beginning of the imposed war in 1980.
He described Operation Zolfaghari as the first major victory of the Iranian nation during the eight-year Sacred Defense, saying that the operation carries important lessons for confronting enemies and those who seek to violate Iran’s sovereignty.
Referring to the circumstances surrounding the Iraqi invasion, Ayatollah Khamenei said the former Iraqi ruler had attempted to undermine the deep-rooted brotherly relations between the Iranian and Iraqi nations through what he called baseless slogans and claims, despite the two peoples' shared religious and cultural ties.
The Leader said the enemy had relied on familiar methods of aggression, occupation and blockade, adding that effective resistance required public awareness, the dedication of volunteer forces and the bravery of the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.
He recalled how an ordinary Iranian worker alerted local residents to the enemy’s plans, prompting people and mosque-based groups to mobilize with limited resources and under the guidance of the late Ayatollah Gholamreza Jami, the then Friday prayer leader of Abadan.
The popular mobilization forced the armed invaders to reconsider their plans and paved the way for broader national solidarity, as people from across Iran joined efforts to defend the country's borders. Less than a year later, the siege of Abadan was broken following an order by the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.
Drawing a parallel with the present situation, Ayatollah Khamenei said the same vigilance, faith, determination, sacrifice and steadfastness would help the Iranian nation confront the crimes and aggression of the Great Satan, and achieve victory in the third imposed war.
He concluded by emphasizing that victory comes only from God.
ahmad shirzadian - ahmad shirzadian
