Iran marks Liberation of Khorramshahr

Iran is preparing to mark the anniversary of the Liberation of Khorramshahr — the strategic southwestern city which Iranian soldiers recaptured from Iraqi forces 28 years ago.

The city of Khorramshahr was liberated from Iraqi occupation on May 24, 1982.

Speaking on Sunday, Major-General Gholam-Ali Rashid, a high-ranking official in the Iranian armed forces, described the Liberation of Khorramshahr as a “turning point” in the war which “changed the balance of power in the region.”

Rashid, who was addressing Iranian lawmakers, said the event led to the emergence of Iran as a new power which “frightened the US and other supporters of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.”

The Iranian forces launched Operation Beit ol-Moqaddas in April 1982 and successfully recaptured the city on May 24.