Iran War had come to the newly minted Islamic Republic of Iran, a war which would persist for eight years, culminating in a frenzy of chemical attacks on military as well as civilian targets. Washington was not only aware of this but was also actively assisting Saddam. Iraq, with a confidence born of western support and assistance, imagined at the time that it was faced with a vulnerable new born state. It was gravely mistaken. Iran fought back, nail and claw, surprising the world with its refusal to be demoralized. Iran has worked relentlessly on its defence industry and weapon production capabilities ever since. A little less than ten years ago, CIA documents released to the public domain, provided incontrovertible proof of US complicity with Saddam Hussein’s dirty war on Iran; the chemical attacks 2/3 of which were launched in the last 18 months of the war. With the imposition of war on our country by Iraq, a unique unity was formed. Minority group representatives asserted their communities’ desire to defend their country. Zoroastrian, Assyrians, and Christian communities not only offered their support and contributions but also took action. The enthusiastic presence of Christian compatriots and other religious minorities portrayed Iranian unity at that time. Religious minorities also contributed cash and non cash donations and dispatched technical, medical, and engineering teams to support the soldiers.
The war drew to a close in August 1988. The United Nations declared Saddam as the initiator of the conflict.
In Iran, Sacred Defense Week is commemorated every year from September 21st.