Iraqi: We neglected protecting political officials

Foreign Minister in an interview with the program “The Story of the War”:

Before the 12-day war, one of the regional leaders, with satisfaction, told me that the war was certain and asked us not to respond, because they would target the leadership. I said that if any point in Iran is attacked, it will face a reciprocal response. This made that regional leader angry, and he said that no one can threaten us. Later, the United States had told the countries of the region to bear it for a month; the war would end, and after that, the issue would be finished forever.

The experience of Venezuela had given this mistaken analysis to the United States that if the leadership were removed, the system would collapse. Now our friendly countries say they had been warned that Iran is different.

During the 40-day war, although we did not neglect the military aspect, we neglected protecting political officials. /Jomaran