Yasser Arafat’s visit to Iran in February 1979 marked a transformation in Iranian foreign policy towards supporting the Palestinian cause. Celebrating the Islamic Revolution, Arafat highlighted the significant shift from the prior regime’s relationships with Israel. Imam Khomeini underscored the importance of Islamic unity and divine reliance in the Palestinian struggle, laying foundations for Iran’s ongoing commitment to support resistance movements against oppression globally.
In February 1979, Yasser Arafat, the then chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), was the first foreign leader to visit Iran after the Islamic Revolution. He arrived in Tehran to congratulate Imam Khomeini and the Iranian people on their revolutionary victory, seeing it as a pivotal moment in supporting the Palestinian cause. His visit marked a significant departure from the previous regime’s ties with Israel, highlighting Iran’s shift in foreign policy towards Palestine.
Arafat expressed his admiration for the Iranian Revolution, stating, “Iran and Imam Khomeini showed that our Umma (Muslims) will never give up. The Iranians broke the chains tied around the Palestinians. This great revolution of yours is the guarantee of our victory.” He acknowledged that the success of the Islamic Revolution revitalized the Palestinian movement, affirming its impact on strategies and political dynamics in the region.
Upon Arafat’s arrival, a sign indicating the Palestine Embassy was unveiled, symbolizing the new Iranian stance against Israel. The previous regime had maintained clandestine relations with Israel, relying on it for substantial oil supplies. The Islamic Revolution drastically changed this dynamic, as Iran severed all ties with the Zionist state, reorienting its foreign policy in favor of the Palestinian cause.
During his meeting with Arafat, Imam Khomeini emphasized the importance of relying on God and the teachings of the Quran in the struggle for Palestinian liberation. He argued that foreign alliances, such as those sought by the Shah, were unreliable and urged that the Palestinian issue should unite the Muslim world in both political and armed struggles against oppressors.
Although Arafat later engaged in negotiations with Israel, which critics argue ultimately weakened the Palestinian cause, Iran continued to support the resistance movements across the region. Khomeini inspired Muslims globally by declaring the last Friday of Ramadan as International Quds Day, reinforcing solidarity with Palestine. This declaration contrasts the failures of Arab nationalism and showcases the resilience of the resistance inspired by the Iranian Revolution.
The historic visit of Yasser Arafat to Iran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution underscored a significant shift in Iranian foreign policy towards Palestine. Imam Khomeini’s unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle and advocacy for unity among Muslim nations against oppression marked the beginning of Iran’s leadership role in the resistance movement. Despite later political developments, the legacy of this pivotal moment persists in Iran’s ongoing commitment to support Palestinian rights and resist foreign domination. Subsequently, the Iranian Revolution not only revolutionized domestic politics but also spurred a global movement advocating for Palestinian rights, exemplifying Iran’s alignment with the struggles against oppression worldwide.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com