The late Syrian Vice President, Abdel Halim Khaddam, today reveals in notes published by Asharq Al-Awsat the details of relations between Syria and Iran immediately after the victory of the “revolution” in Tehran and the establishment of the Iranian “Guard,” Hezbollah, in Lebanon following the Israeli invasion in 1982.
Khaddam states that Musa al-Sadr, the head of the Supreme Shiite Islamic Council in Lebanon, played a crucial role in establishing relations between Damascus and several Iranian figures who opposed the Shah and assumed positions of power after the revolution. One of these figures was Ibrahim Yazdi, who invited Khaddam to visit Tehran in August 1979 for talks with Khomeini’s “guide” and senior officials, aiming to forge a relationship between the two countries.
Khaddam recounts, “On the third day of the visit, Ibrahim Yazdi accompanied me to Qom to meet Khomeini. Thus, I became the first and only Syrian official to meet him.” He describes Khomeini’s talk as short but firm, affirming the victory of the revolution. Khomeini asked Khaddam to convey his gratitude to President Hafez Al-Assad, send his greetings, and express his desire for strong relations with Syria. After returning to Damascus, Khaddam presented the visit’s details to President Hafez and the party leadership, emphasizing that despite the contradictions between the two regimes, all conditions were favorable for cooperation with the new regime in Iran.
Regarding the establishment of Hezbollah, Khaddam reveals, “The most significant Iranian involvement in Lebanon occurred during the Israeli invasion in early June 1982. At that time, the Iranian leadership decided to send a brigade of the Revolutionary Guard to Syria in agreement with us. Shortly after the fighting began, the Iranian Guard Brigade arrived, with most of its forces heading to Lebanon, specifically the Baalbek-Hermel area. Their mission was to form, organize, support, and train the Islamic resistance, which later became Hezbollah.”
The initial relations between Syria and the leadership of the Iranian “revolution” were established through various factions of the Iranian opposition to the Shah regime, with whom we developed positive relations. Mr. Musa Al-Sadr, the head of the Supreme Shiite Islamic Council in Lebanon, played a significant role in these relations, particularly through the “Party for the Liberation of Iran,” which counted prominent leaders such as Mehdi Bazarkan, Dr. Ibrahim Yazdi, Sadegh Tabtabaei, Sadiq Qutbadeh, and Mustafa Shamran.
Following the success of the revolution, Mehdi Bazarkan became the Prime Minister of Iran, Sadiq Tabtabaei served as the Deputy Prime Minister, Ibrahim Yazdi took on the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs (later succeeded by Sadiq Qutb Zadeh), and Mustafa Shamran assumed the position of Minister of Defense. We welcomed the triumph of the revolution led by Khomeini with great joy and profound optimism, especially considering the regional pressures of Arab divisions and Israeli attacks. President Hafez Al-Assad took the initiative to send a warm congratulatory message to Khomeini, affirming Syria’s commitment to comprehensive cooperation with Iran and expressing the satisfaction of the Syrian people with the revolution’s success.
In early August 1979, I received an invitation from Iran’s Foreign Minister, Ibrahim Yazdi. On August 15, I arrived in Tehran and was welcomed by Yazdi, Tabtabaei, and several Iranian officials. In the evening, I had a meeting with Mr. Tabtabaei, a highly politically aware and culturally diverse individual who combined religious dedication with a liberal mindset. He was the nephew of Mr. Musa Al-Sadr and one of the most enthusiastic advocates for relations with Syria. One thing that struck me was when I was in my hotel suite and turned on the TV, I was surprised by a repeated phrase that appeared from time to time, which said, “Teach your children Arabic…” This had a profound impact on me.
In the early hours of the following morning, around 3 am, one of my companions entered my bedroom and awakened me. He informed me that Sheikh Mohammed Montazeri, the son of Hussein Ali Montazeri, along with a group, wished to meet with me. I was taken aback by the timing of the visit, as no prior appointment had been made. I instructed my escort to guide them to the reception room while I dressed. Montazeri, a young man brimming with enthusiasm for the revolution, initiated a conversation about the campaign against the Baath Party and Baathists, targeting some prominent Baathists in Iraq. He proceeded to elucidate the transformative goals of the revolution that would shape the world. Though I recognized the futility of engaging in dialogue with him, I should have listened. After approximately two hours, he requested that we perform the morning prayer. Having accomplished his objective, he departed at sunrise.
At eleven o’clock, I convened a meeting with Dr. Mehdi Bazarkan, the Prime Minister. Present were Ibrahim Yazdi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sadiq Tabtabaei, the Deputy Prime Minister. Bazarkan eloquently conveyed the revolution’s objectives and the widespread consensus to support it. He exuded confidence and warmth. The discussion then turned to Syrian-Iranian relations, with Bazarkan emphasizing that the revolution in Iran aimed to forge robust ties with Syria, a brotherly nation. I acknowledged his remarks, extending congratulations on behalf of the Syrian leadership for the success of the revolution. I also expressed our high expectations for its triumph in ushering Iran into a new phase marked by integrated Arab-Iranian cooperation. Bazarkan shared their vision regarding the Palestinian cause and their unwavering determination to prioritize it as the foremost Muslim cause. I, in turn, highlighted our shared goals in resisting the Zionist movement and Israel, as well as confronting American imperialism and foreign ambitions. Our perspectives were in complete alignment.
It is worth mentioning that Mr. Bazarkan, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yazdi, Mr. Shamran, Mr. Hassan Habibi, and Mr. Sadiq Qutbadeh were all members of the “Party for the Liberation of Iran” led by Mr. Mehdi Bazarkan. The spiritual father of that party was Mr. Musa Al-Sadr. Mr. Yazdi and Mr. Tabatabai also participated in the discussion, aligning their talks in the same direction. The focus of everyone’s discussion was the significance of enhancing relations between the Iranian revolution and Syria, emphasizing the need for close cooperation against Israel and American imperialism.
At 8 am, I proceeded to the State Department for talks with Mr. Yazdi. Upon entering the meeting room, I was surprised to find several ministry staff members present. I conveyed the satisfaction of the Syrian people and leadership regarding the success of the Iranian revolution, which marked a profound shift in the regional landscape. The discussion revolved around the importance of cooperation between Syria and the Iranian revolution, emphasizing our shared objectives.
Mr. Yazdi elaborated on the revolution and its primary goals, with a strong emphasis on the liberation of Palestine and the confrontation of arrogance. It was stressed that cooperation between Al-Thawra and Syria would yield fruitful results for both peoples and the Muslim world.
We reached an agreement to develop relations, maintain ongoing consultations between the two countries, collaborate in various fields, and coordinate efforts and stances on all matters of mutual concern.
On the second day, I had the opportunity to participate in Friday prayers at Tehran University in observance of Jerusalem Day. The prayers and celebrations were remarkable, characterized by the vast number of participants, which exceeded several hundred thousand, and the resounding chants in support of Jerusalem and denouncing Israel’s actions.
It was a magnificent sight to witness hundreds of thousands of people gathering for congregational prayers and passionately showing their support for Palestine.
On that momentous occasion, I delivered a speech expressing our stance on the Palestinian cause as a whole, with a specific focus on Jerusalem. I paid tribute to the Iranian revolution and its leader, Khomeini, and extended my best wishes for the revolution’s success in achieving its objectives.
On the third day of my visit, I was accompanied by Ibrahim Yazdi to Qom to meet with Khomeini. As the first Syrian official to meet him, I held a unique position. We arrived at noon and proceeded to the leader of Al-Thawra’s residence in a humble neighborhood, entering a modest house.
At the entrance, there was a small room with a desk and table where a sheikh was seated. After our introduction, we entered a second small room measuring only two and a half meters in length and width, with a regular carpet on the floor. Khomeini was seated and stood up to receive us. He sat on the floor, and we followed suit. He listened attentively to his Arab speakers conversing in Arabic and responded in Farsi.
After exchanging greetings, he warmly welcomed me. On behalf of Syria and President Hafez al-Assad, I congratulated him on the triumph of Al-Thawra under his leadership. I conveyed our high expectations for the success of the revolution, particularly in the face of Zionist aggression. Additionally, I conveyed President Hafez Al-Assad’s greetings and reassured Khomeini of the Syrian people’s strong desire for closer relations with Iran. We acknowledged the significant advancements that the revolution would bring amidst our shared struggle against Zionist aggression and American pressure.
Khomeini delivered a concise yet resolute speech. He emphasized that the revolution had achieved victory against tyranny and injustice through the power of the people. He affirmed the revolution’s commitment to standing with the oppressed and marginalized, supporting the Palestinian people, and confronting global arrogance. He expressed his confidence that justice, resistance, and liberation would prevail for Muslims against aggression and oppression. He requested me to convey his gratitude to President Hafez Al-Assad and extend his warm greetings.
