Yasser Arafat visited Iran shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, marking a pivotal change in Iranian support for the Palestinian cause. His meeting with Imam Khomeini emphasized reliance on faith and unity in the face of oppression. Iran’s shift away from previous pro-Israeli policies underscored its commitment to Muslim solidarity and the Palestinian struggle, inspiring a global movement of resistance.
In 1979, Yasser Arafat, then leader of the PLO, became the first foreign dignitary to visit Iran post-Islamic Revolution, meeting Imam Khomeini in Tehran. This visit symbolized a turning point in Iran’s foreign policy towards supporting the Palestinian cause, contrasting starkly with the previous regime’s pro-Israeli stance. The revolution instilled hope among Palestinians, leading to celebrations in occupied territories and refugee camps, as Arafat emphasized that Iran’s uprising was pivotal for the Palestinian struggle.
Arafat arrived unexpectedly on February 18, 1979, expressing his admiration for the Iranian Revolution and its potential impact on Palestine. He stated, “Iran and Imam Khomeini showed that our Umma will never give up. The Iranians broke the chains tied around the Palestinians. This great revolution of yours is the guarantee of our victory.” His visit acted as a declaration against the policies of the former Shah, who had established links with Israel.
Concurrently, the Palestinian delegation witnessed the installation of a “Palestine Embassy” sign in Tehran, marking a shift from the previous regime’s covert support for Israel. Under the Shah, Iran had significant ties with Israel, providing oil and hosting an unofficial embassy for Israeli intelligence activities. However, the 1979 Revolution severed these connections, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights.
During Arafat’s meeting with Khomeini, the Imam emphasized that achieving liberation necessitated faith and reliance on Islamic teachings, rather than foreign powers. He critiqued the former Shah’s reliance on Western allies, underscoring that only divine support was dependable. Khomeini declared that the Palestinian cause was a fundamental issue for the entire Islamic world, urging all Muslims to support the Palestinian uprising both politically and militarily.
In subsequent years, the Islamic Republic actively supported resistance movements across the region, contrasting sharply with the Arab nationalist approach that struggled against Israel. Arafat’s later negotiations, including the controversial Oslo Accords, were seen as detrimental to the Palestinian cause, diverging from the principles Khomeini espoused. The Iranian Revolution inspired a new model of resistance, fostering a global movement for Palestinian solidarity.
Today, Iran takes pride in its role in fostering a powerful resistance against Israeli occupation and oppression, reflecting ongoing global support for Palestinian rights. The Islamic Republic positions itself as a leader in empowering oppressed groups, highlighted by Khomeini’s establishment of International Quds Day, reinforcing its dedication to Palestinian liberation and regional solidarity.
Unlike traditional Arab nationalism, the inspired resistance from the Iranian revolution has proven effective against Western-backed oppression, garnering widespread international support. This transformation has placed the Palestinian struggle at the forefront of an enduring global movement, continuing to challenge imperialistic forces.
Arafat’s visit to Iran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution marked a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy, emphasizing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. Imam Khomeini underscored the importance of faith and unity among Muslims to achieve liberation. The Iranian model of resistance has since influenced global movements for Palestinian rights and continues to assert itself against Western and Israeli aggression, highlighting the ongoing relevance of the Palestinian cause in international politics.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
