Tehran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has reiterated Iran’s firm stance as a proponent of a world devoid of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), drawing from its harrowing experience as the greatest victim of chemical weapons in modern history.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araqchi delivered his message on the anniversary of the 1987 chemical attack on the Iranian city of Sardasht, highlighting the enduring impact of this atrocity. Sardasht, situated in West Azarbaijan Province, holds the grim distinction of being the first civilian city to suffer a chemical weapons assault, perpetrated by Saddam Hussein’s Baath regime.

Araqchi’s message also addressed the recent hostilities instigated by Israel, which he claims occurred amid the silence of Western powers. He emphasized the ongoing oppression faced by Iran and paid homage to the victims of the Sardasht attack and other acts of aggression against the nation.

The statement recalled the tragic events of June 28, 1987, when, as claimed by Araqchi, the Baathist regime, with alleged support from Western countries, deployed chemical weapons on Sardasht. This attack, he stated, left an indelible mark on Iran’s history and underscored the need for global efforts to prevent the use of WMDs.

Araqchi condemned the alleged involvement of Western nations, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, in supplying chemical weaponry to Saddam’s regime. He accused these countries of enabling the atrocities and criticized their current stance on sanctions affecting medical aid for the victims of chemical warfare in Iran.

Highlighting recent aggressions, Araqchi pointed to attacks on Iranian infrastructure by Israel, cautioning about potential humanitarian and environmental crises. In response, Iran has called for an emergency session of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to address these concerns.

Araqchi closed his message by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to advocating for the eradication of WMDs and seeking justice for victims of chemical warfare. He expressed hope for a future where peace prevails, and no individual suffers from the horrors of such weapons, while also commending the resilience of the Iranian nation in the face of external aggressions.