Statement issued by
Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi
on the occasion of the
military conflict between Iran and Iraq.
September 22, 1980
It is with sad and heavy heart that in the last few days I have seen a part our dear Iran invaded by another country's armed forces. The army of a country that, until 1978 (l357,) has been a good neighbour to Iran, a country with whom we have learned to solve our disputes not by force but by the use of international law and just bilateral agreement.
This present violence is another instance of the crisis that besets Iran, which is governed by those who neglect not only their own, but also the best interest of the nation and the masses of its people.
They seem to care nothing for the disintegration that threatens our beloved homeland.
I, as an Iranian and the mother of the Crown Prince and as acting Regent, aware of the historical responsibilities I now carry on my shoulders, hope that very soon the crisis comes to an end, and that these foreign forces who believe that they can invade Iran with impunity, will learn once and for all that Iran is for Iranians and Iranians will never allow unlawful forces on their soil.
We ask that all our heroes: Officers, NCOs and conscripts alike, come to the aid of their fellow countrymen. Let us be strong enough to put aside our differences and labour together to try and save our country. And just, as we seek to repel this unlawful advance of foreign forces, so at the same time do we seek to end the present regime in Iran which also came without law and has continued to rule not by right but by violence.
By acting as one people we can turn back this foreign invasion; yet, even as we aim to fight, it is our fondest hope that, as soon as possible, all Iranians may once again see in that region the rule of law where disputes are subject, not to armed might, but to the restraints of respect for a neighbour's right.
Farah Pahlavi
Below is a copy of the original statement
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