A Tehran court has held the United States responsible for the massacre of Iranian divers during the Iran-Iraq War, finding that U.S. intelligence directly assisted Saddam Hussein’s regime. The court’s ruling coincides with Martyrs’ Day, reflecting on the brutal conditions and experiences faced by the captives during this conflict, which lasted from 1980 to 1988.
On Martyrs’ Day, a Tehran court deemed the United States responsible for the brutal killings of Iranian divers during the Iran-Iraq War’s Operation Karbala-4 in the 1980s. The International Relations Court, branch 55, determined that U.S. intelligence from satellite and spy planes significantly aided Saddam Hussein’s regime, which resulted in the capture, torture, and subsequent deaths of these Iranian commandos.
The Iran-Iraq War, which lasted eight years following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran in 1980, saw intense battles like Operation Karbala-4. During this operation, some captured divers were buried alive by Iraqi forces. Their remains were later discovered in southern Iraq in 2017, highlighting the tragedy of this forgotten history.
The court’s verdict ceremony was attended by military officials, government representatives, and the families of the fallen. Mohsen Jameh Bozorg, a former captive and comrade of the martyrs, shared accounts of the appalling conditions faced during their captivity. He recounted severe deprivation of medical care, leading to the deaths of many captives due to inhumane treatment in Iraqi hospitals.
During his address, Jameh Bozorg revealed, “During captivity, some of the injured were taken to hospitals in Iraq.” He added that Iranian prisoners were forced to insult their leader, Imam Khomeini, to receive basic medical treatment and often had to care for their injuries themselves.
Motahari, another comrade, emphasized the efforts to keep Operation Karbala-4 under wraps, stating that despite meticulous planning, American intelligence ultimately compromised their mission. He praised the divers for their courage and determination amid the relentless assaults they faced during the conflict.
The Tehran court’s recent ruling underscores the complexities surrounding the Iran-Iraq War and the role of international powers. The acknowledgment of U.S. assistance to Saddam Hussein’s regime during the brutal period highlights the tragic realities faced by Iranian divers and prisoners of war. As the families of the martyrs seek recognition and justice, this verdict serves as a reminder of the war’s enduring impact on Iran’s national consciousness.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
