Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Saddam Hussein Says He Prefers to Die Rather Than Go into Exile - 2003-02-26

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Saddam Hussein expressed a strong refusal to go into exile, stating he would rather die. He also assured that he would not destroy Iraq's oil wells if attacked by the U.S. Additionally, he denied any links with Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda. This is significant as it reflects Saddam's defiance and the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iraq at the time.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Saddam Hussein's refusal to consider exile and his denial of terrorist links highlighted his defiance against U.S. pressure, setting the stage for imminent conflict.

👥 Key Players

Saddam Hussein MENTIONED
President of Iraq
"As the leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein's actions and statements were pivotal in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly in relation to U.S. foreign policy."
Osama bin Laden MENTIONED
Leader of al-Qaeda
"His connection to terrorism and the September 11 attacks made him a significant figure in U.S. national security concerns, influencing American military actions in the region."
United States MENTIONED
Global superpower
"The U.S. was poised to take military action against Iraq, which had major implications for regional stability and international relations."

📰 What Happened

Saddam Hussein declared in an interview that he would rather die than go into exile and assured that he would not destroy Iraq's oil wells if attacked by the U.S. He also denied any ties to Osama bin Laden.

  • Saddam Hussein expressed a strong refusal to go into exile.
  • He claimed Iraq had no connection with Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran viewed Saddam's defiance as a challenge, reflecting the broader sectarian and geopolitical rivalries in the region.
🌍 Regional: The statements heightened tensions in the Middle East, affecting regional alliances and the balance of power.
🌐 International: Saddam's remarks were significant for U.S. policymakers, as they underscored the complexities of justifying military intervention in Iraq.

📚 Background

In the early 2000s, Iraq was under scrutiny from the U.S. for alleged weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism, leading to a buildup toward military intervention.

U.S.-Iraq relations Middle Eastern geopolitics
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The interview was conducted by CBS, a major American news network, which may reflect Western perspectives on the situation.

Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq, says he prefers to die rather than go into exile. He also states that if the United States attacks Iraq, he will not set fire to the country's oil wells. Saddam made these remarks in an interview with the American television network CBS this week. Parts of the interview were broadcast yesterday, and the full text of his interview is set to be aired today. The Iraqi leader also claimed that his country has never had any connection with Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist network al-Qaeda, who was responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →