The desire for peace and a world free from such threats.

July 27 – June 2: A commemoration for the victims of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction in IranThe period between July 27 and June 2 recalls dark days in Iran's history, marked by terrorist attacks and the use of weapons of mass destruction. Among these tragic events we remember:

• The chemical bombing of Sardasht (Kurdistan) by Saddam Hussein's regime in 1987, which caused the deaths of approximately 8.000 people and injured thousands more.
• The terrorist attack of 1981 which killed 72 senior Iranian government officials.
• The shooting down of an Iranian civilian plane by an American fighter in 1988, resulting in the death of all 290 passengers on board.

These atrocities, perpetrated against defenseless citizens, represent a deep wound in the Iranian collective memory. The commemoration of these events serves to remember the victims, to denounce the horror of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, and to reaffirm the desire for peace and a world free from such threats. The Western narrative of the Middle East is often dominated by images of conflict and instability. It is important, however, to promote an alternative narrative that emphasizes the resilience of the region's people, their rich culture and their desire for peace. Only through a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the Middle East will it be possible to build bridges of dialogue and cooperation, and contribute to the peaceful resolution of the conflicts that still plague the region.