WANA (Jun 29) – Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, commemorated the anniversary of the chemical bombing of Sardasht, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the largest victim of chemical weapons in modern history, has always been a staunch supporter of a world free of weapons of mass destruction and the originator of the idea of a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East.

 

In his message marking the 38th anniversary of the Ba’athist Iraqi regime’s chemical attack on Sardasht, Araghchi described the use of chemical weapons against civilians as an enduring stain of disgrace on the perpetrators and their supporters, condemning the role of certain Western countries in supplying Saddam with these weapons.

 

He also referred to the continued sanctions on essential medicines and medical equipment needed by chemical-attack veterans, describing this as an extension of the same war crime. The Iranian foreign minister further warned about recent attacks by Israel and the United States on the country’s infrastructure, including industrial chemical production facilities, calling for an emergency session of the OPCW Executive Council to examine and condemn these attacks.

 

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to pursuing the rights of chemical victims, considering justice a prerequisite for preventing similar tragedies. He also praised the patience, unity, and resilience of the Iranian people in the face of recent aggressions and underlined his support for the country’s armed forces.