WANA (Nov 26) – Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said that countries and entities that supported Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons program must be held accountable. He called on Germany to publish the results of its past investigations and to conduct a comprehensive and transparent probe into the role of German companies and nationals in assisting Saddam’s chemical crimes.
Araghchi delivered the remarks on Tuesday, November 25, during the 30th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in The Hague.
On Wednesday, the foreign minister reposted portions of his speech on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting Iran’s longstanding demand for clarity and accountability regarding foreign involvement in Iraq’s chemical weapons program. He wrote:
“Iran’s unanimous election to the CWC Executive Council marks a meaningful step for all who believe in a world free of chemical weapons. As a nation that has suffered deeply from Saddam’s chemical attacks during the 1980–1988 war on our people, Iran carries enduring wounds that still affect tens of thousands of victims and their families.
During the Conference, I was accompanied by Mr. Kamal Hoseinpur, MP from Sardasht—a city that stands as a global symbol of resistance, suffering, and the call for justice. The people of Sardasht endured chemical attacks whose consequences continue even today, made worse by unjust U.S. sanctions that restrict access to vital medicines and medical care.
The truth must prevail, and those who supported Saddam’s chemical weapons program must be held responsible.
We urge Germany to release the results of its past investigations and commit to full and transparent investigations about the involvement of its companies and nationals in enabling Saddam’s atrocities.
The judicial investigations by Dutch authorities, which led to the prosecution and conviction of one Dutch individual, are appreciated. However, we all know that it was the very minimum and showed only the tip of the iceberg.
Justice for the victims is overdue, and their calls for justice must never be forgotten. We all pay tribute to those who lost their lives during Saddam’s savage chemical attacks, and to those who are still suffering from their injuries.”
