Saddam Hussein launched an unprovoked war on Iran in September 1980, relying on inaccurate intelligence reports and dreaming of conquering Tehran in seven days, kicking off an eight-year conflict. Israel and oil-rich Arab sheikhdoms backed the Iraqi war machine, hoping that Iran’s nascent Islamic revolution would face significant challenges, thus preventing waves of Islamic awakening from overthrowing corrupt US-backed regimes. Many analysts believed that after a horrific war that devastated much of the infrastructure of both countries, Iraq and Iran would never be able to reconcile or have an amicable relationship. The two nations were falsely portrayed as adversaries as a result of Saddam’s propaganda and western media lies.
But the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical reign set Iran and Iraq on a new path as both nations have strong ties, following the doctrine of Prophet Mouhammad’s Household [PBUT].
After Saddam Hussein’s downfall in 2003, the two nations’ ties were restored, and brotherly affection and respect flowed between them.
Thousands of Iraqis travelled to Mashhad, Iran, to pay their homage to Imam Reza (AS), while Iranian pilgrims continued to arrive in Iraq to visit the holy shrines of Karbala, Najaf, Kadhimiya, and Samarra.
Iran had emerged as the sole supporter of the Iraqi people after the Saudi-backed ISIS terrorists invaded northern Iraq and the imminent danger of the Iraqi central government being overthrown.
As a consequence of their common struggle against the same terrorist threat, Iraqis and Iranians have developed a deeper connection through their combat vis-à-vis ISIS terrorists and their American masters.
Meanwhile, the Arbaeen March, along with the two countries’ shared passionate emotions for Imam Husayn and the generous hospitality shown to Iranian pilgrims in Iraq, cemented a special relationship between Iranians and their Iraqi brothers and sisters.
Iranians and Iraqis, on the other hand, have demonstrated throughout history that they have a shared religious identity and adhere to the same glorious path. The Axis of Resistance is today proud of its service to Imam Husayn’s pilgrims, regarding it as an integral part of Iran-Iraq shared identity.
God’s adversaries, on the other hand, are sowing seeds of sedition and discord amongst Iraqis and Iranians.
They disseminate misleading information about Iranian pilgrims visiting Iraqi sacred sites while promoting spurious and fake stories about Iraqis travelling to Iran with obscene aims.
After Saddam Hussein’s downfall, pro-Western elements continue to push for this horrific scenario of separating the two brother nations.
To overcome these vicious agitations, both nations must remain vigilant and rely on God and Ahl al-Bayt.
