Iran marks 36th anniversary of return of POWs from Iraq

Iran has marked the 36th anniversary of the return of the first group of Iranian prisoners of war (POWs) from Iraq, an event that took place on August 17, 1990. This date, known as Mordad 26 on the Iranian calendar, is now a national occasion to honor the resilience and sacrifice of those who endured years of captivity.

The return of the POWs came nearly two years after the end of the Iran-Iraq war, which concluded with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 598. On August 17, 1990, a prisoner exchange between Iran and Iraq began, with 969 Iranian captives exchanged for 1,340 Iraqi captives. By September 15 of the same year, a total of 37,532 Iranian captives had been released and returned to Iran in several stages.

The released Iranian captives are honored nationally as heroes who endured harsh conditions in prisons run by the toppled Iraqi Baathist regime. Their years of captivity under difficult circumstances are remembered as a testament to their endurance and patriotism.

According to Mehr News Agency (MNA), the occasion serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict and the importance of honoring those who suffered for their country. The anniversary is observed with ceremonies and tributes across Iran, reflecting the nation's gratitude for the POWs' resilience.