The imposed war drew to a close in August 1988, when Iran, in compliance with international laws, accepted the Resolution 598 of UN Security Council and the great Imam endorsed the resolution.
"Concerning the acceptance of the Resolution, which is indeed a bitter and unpleasant matter for all especially for me, until a few days ago I believed in the same mode of defense and stance that was announced during the war, considering the interest of the system, the country and the revolution in its implementation. However, owing to the events and factors, which I will presently refrain from mentioning with the hope that God make them clear in the future and by taking into account the view of all the high-ranking political and military experts of the country on whose commitment, sympathy and sincerity I rely, I agreed to accept the resolution and ceasefire," Imam Khomeini said.
The religious and spiritual leader of the Muslim world also said he made a painful decision of endorsing the resolution intended to advance the interests of the Islamic Republic and the Muslims.
"Right now, I consider acceptance of the resolution as a move in the interest of the revolution and the system. God knows that if it were not because of the motive that all of us as well as our honor and credibility must be sacrificed for the interest of Islam and Muslims, we would never be satisfied with this act while death and martyrdom are more pleasant for me. But what shall be done that all should be sacrificed in pleasing God, the Exalted? Certainly, the heroic and valiant nation of Iran has also been so and will remain so.," the great Imam added
The imposed war began in 1980, a year after the victory of Iran's Islamic Revolution, when Iraq, supported by global world powers, invaded Iran by launching aerial and ground incursions into Iranian territories.
The Western support took the forms of economic and technological aid, military intelligence, the sale of dual-use and military equipment, and as for the US, direct conflict with Iranian forces.
The war drew to a close in August 1988, when Iran, in compliance with international laws, accepted the Resolution 598 of UN Security Council as the conflict had already claimed many innocent lives.
The founder of the Islamic Republic was worried about the US presence in the region and that the war might spread to other countries. Given that the continuation of war could be against Iran's interests, the country decided to accept ceasefire.