The 1979 Nationwide Attack

Just across the border, Kurds under Mustafa Barzani had been fighting Baghdad for decades. Saddam Hussein’s regime viewed Kurdish unrest in Iran with suspicion, fearing it would inspire Iraq’s own Kurdish population. The Turkish state had also repressed its Kurdish minority, denying cultural and political rights. Ankara watched events in Iran carefully, worried that Kurdish activism might cross borders.

Kurdish leftist groups like Komala had ties to socialist movements, raising concern in Tehran that the Kurdish struggle could become a foothold for communist influence near borders. Cities like Sanandaj and Mahabad witnessed street battles where homes were destroyed and civilians caught in crossfire.

August 19, 2025 | 2:31 am