The Significance of Arafat’s Visit to Iran and the Palestine Embassy Opening
Yasser Arafat’s visit to Iran in February 1979 was significant for the Palestinian cause, marking a shift in Iran’s foreign policy towards supporting Palestinians after the Islamic Revolution. Imam Khomeini emphasized that true liberation relied on faith and unity among Muslims. Despite later negotiations leading to setbacks, Iran’s support has inspired ongoing resistance movements among Palestinians and beyond, contrasting with previous failures of Arab nationalism.
On February 18, 1979, Yasser Arafat, the former leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), made an unannounced visit to Iran, shortly after the Islamic Revolution. He was the first foreign leader to meet Imam Khomeini following the revolution and congratulated him and the Iranian people on their victory, which inspired many nations, including Palestinians, to hope for a change in their struggle.
The Islamic Revolution sparked tremendous joy among Palestinians, especially in occupied territories, where celebratory gunfire evidenced their support for the revolutionary change. Arafat’s arrival marked a significant shift in Iran’s foreign policy towards the Palestinian cause, contrasting starkly with the prior regime’s alignment with Israel.
During the visit, a sign that read “Palestine Embassy” was placed at the building of the unofficial embassy in Tehran. This was a symbolic break from the prior regime of Mohammad Reza Shah, which had maintained close ties with Israel. While the Shah had supported Zionist interests, the new Iranian government embraced the Palestinian cause openly.
In his meeting with Imam Khomeini, Arafat was advised that true strength in the Palestinian struggle came from faith and religious teachings rather than reliance on foreign powers. The Imam emphasized that the Palestinian issue was a collective responsibility for all Muslims, urging them to support the uprising actively and consistently against foreign occupiers.
Years later, in 1988, Arafat began negotiations with Israel, ultimately leading to the Oslo Accord, which marked a shift away from armed struggle. However, this decision adversely affected the Palestinian resistance, while Iran continued to advocate for resistance among Muslim nations and recognized the necessity to support the Palestinian cause globally through initiatives, such as International Quds Day.
The Iranian Islamic Revolution has inspired a worldwide resistance movement, diverging from Arab nationalism, which faced failures in past conflicts. The Resistance, drawing from the ideals of the Iranian Revolution, has emerged victorious in many instances against the Israeli regime, gaining support from advocates of freedom globally.
Arafat’s visit to Iran in 1979 marked a pivotal moment for the Palestinian cause, symbolizing Iran’s support for Palestinians following the Islamic Revolution. The engagement between Arafat and Imam Khomeini established a framework for Islamic solidarity across borders, setting a precedent for regional resistance against occupation. Despite subsequent challenges in Palestinian leadership, the ongoing influence of Iran has fostered a resilient resistance movement that addresses the plight of the Palestinian people and remains critical of past compromises.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
