Analysis of the Eight Years of the Holy Defense, the Causes of the Imposed War, its Results and Achievements, and its Domestic and International Outcomes.

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Holy Quran: “And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” (Surah Al-Anfal,:60)

Analysis of the Eight Years of the Holy Defense, the Causes of the Imposed War, its Results and Achievements, and its Domestic and International Outcomes.

Author and Analyst: Dr. Mohammad Banaeian Sefid

Commencement of the Holy Defense: The Holy Defense began on 31st Shahrivar 1359(September 22, 1980) with the military attack by the Ba’athist regime of Iraq on Iran and continued for eight years until 29th Mordad 1367 (August 20, 1988).

Causes of Iraq’s Attack on Iran:

· Strategic Aims of Saddam Hussein: Gaining control of the oil-rich Khuzestan region, controlling the Arvand Rud , waterway, and weakening the Islamic Revolution. Violation of the 1975 Algiers Agreement and its attendant commitments.

· Fear of the Spread of the Islamic Revolution: The Ba’athist regime felt threatened by the influence of the Iranian Revolution among Iraqi Shiites.

· International Support: Countries such as the United States, the Soviet Union, and some Arab and European countries (20 countries) provided direct support to Iraq.

· Iran’s Internal Weakness: Iran at that time faced internal challenges such as political disputes, assassinations, the opportunism and secessionist demands of groups preying on the Islamic Revolution, the severing of the interests of arrogance (global powers), and the weakness of the armed forces.

Positive Achievements of the Holy Defense:

1. Self-Belief and Strengthening of Defense Industries: Iran achieved significant capability in manufacturing military and defensive equipment.

2. National Unity and Spirit of Sacrifice: The people of Iran demonstrated unparalleled unity through their voluntary presence on the fronts and their support for the war effort.

3. Spiritual and Cultural Growth: The Holy Defense led to the strengthening of religious beliefs and the culture of martyrdom-seeking and independence-seeking within society.

4. Industrial and Technological Progress: Due to sanctions, Iran moved towards self-sufficiency in various military, defensive, industrial, and scientific sectors.

5. Consolidation of the Islamic Republic System’s Sovereignty: The war caused the Islamic Revolution of Iran to stabilize, preventing enemies from achieving their goals.

Factors of Iran’s Success in the Holy Defense:

· Leadership of Imam Khomeini (RA): Through his management and leadership, he sustained the spirit of unity, resistance, and the quest for identity within the Iranian nation.

· Faith and Spirit of Martyrdom-Seeking: The combatants, with strong faith and belief in the righteousness of their path, stood firm against the enemy.

· The Role of the People and Public Mobilization: The widespread presence of the people on the fronts and their support for the war was one of the key factors of success.

· Creativity and Innovation in War: Despite equipment shortages, Iranian combatants achieved great successes on the battlefield through their initiatives and religious beliefs.

Impact of the Holy Defense on Global Perception:

· Identifying Iraq as the Aggressor: In 1991 (1370 SH), the United Nations officially recognized Iraq as the initiator of the war.

· Demonstration of Iran’s Resistance: The world witnessed Iran’s remarkable resistance against international support for Iraq.

· Exposure of Iraqi War Crimes: Iraq’s use of chemical weapons (e.g., in Sardasht, Halabja, etc.) and attacks on civilians led to global condemnation.

· Elevation of Iran’s Regional Stature: After the war, Iran became recognized as a power of resistance and self-reliance in the region.

In conclusion, the Holy Defense is recorded in Iran’s history as a symbol of sacrifice, resistance, courage, martyrdom, and self-belief. Its positive effects are observable in various domestic and international dimensions, fulfilling the hadith of the Prophet (PBUH): “Fight [in the way of God], so that you bequeath glory and majesty to your children.”

And our final prayer is that all praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

Dr. Mohammad Banaeian Sefid