Mohammad Baqir Hakim, the leader of an Iraqi opposition group in exile, states that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein will use any means necessary to remain in power. Hakim, who heads the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq based in Tehran, claims that his group has information indicating that Saddam is preparing to launch a counterattack using chemical weapons in the event of a U.S.-led military strike against Iraq. Hakim also mentions that the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq has informed Washington that the post-Saddam government in Iraq should be democratically elected rather than being taken over by a temporary military government.
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Mohammad Baqir Hakim: Saddam Hussein Will Use Any Means to Stay in Power - 2002-10-21
Feb 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Mohammad Baqir Hakim warns that Saddam Hussein is ready to use chemical weapons to maintain his power amid potential U.S. military action. Hakim advocates for a democratic transition in Iraq after Saddam's regime, rather than a military-led government. This statement reflects the ongoing tensions and political dynamics in the region leading up to the Iraq War.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Hakim's warnings underscore the risks of conflict in Iraq and the complexities of post-Saddam governance.
👥 Key Players
Mohammad Baqir Hakim
MENTIONED
Leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq
"Hakim represents an Iraqi opposition group based in Iran, which is significant for Iranian influence in Iraq and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region."
Saddam Hussein
MENTIONED
President of Iraq
"As the ruling authority in Iraq, Hussein's actions and policies directly impact regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East."
📰 What Happened
Mohammad Baqir Hakim warned that Saddam Hussein is prepared to use chemical weapons to maintain his regime amid the threat of U.S. military action. He also advocated for a democratic transition in Iraq post-Saddam, rather than a military-led government.
- Hakim's group has intelligence suggesting Saddam's readiness to counterattack with chemical weapons.
- Hakim emphasizes the importance of a democratically elected government in Iraq after Saddam's potential removal.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran's support for Iraqi opposition groups like Hakim's reflects its strategy to influence Iraq and counter U.S. presence in the region.
🌍 Regional: The potential use of chemical weapons by Saddam could escalate conflicts and destabilize the region further.
🌐 International: The U.S. and its allies are concerned about Iraq's weapons capabilities, impacting their military and diplomatic strategies.
📚 Background
In the early 2000s, tensions were high between the U.S. and Iraq, with fears of weapons of mass destruction influencing international relations. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq sought to position itself as a legitimate alternative to Saddam's regime.
Iraq War
U.S.-Iran relations
📡 Source:
OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence:
70%
As a leader of an opposition group, Hakim's statements may reflect a bias against Saddam Hussein and aim to garner support for his own political agenda.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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