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Saddam: If Iraq is attacked, we will strike the U.S. everywhere in the world - 2003-03-17

Feb 10, 2026 February 10, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Saddam Hussein warned that Iraq would retaliate against the U.S. globally if attacked. He dismissed accusations of possessing weapons of mass destruction as lies. The situation is tense as Iraq prepares for potential conflict amid ongoing UN inspections.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Saddam's defiance signals a looming conflict that could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics.

👥 Key Players

Saddam Hussein MENTIONED
President of Iraq
"As the leader of Iraq, his decisions and statements directly impact regional stability and U.S. foreign policy."
Naji Sabri MENTIONED
Iraq's Foreign Minister
"He represents Iraq's diplomatic stance and communicates its readiness for conflict, influencing international perceptions."
Hans Blix MENTIONED
Head of UN Weapons Inspectors
"His role is crucial in verifying Iraq's compliance with international weapons regulations, affecting global diplomatic efforts."

📰 What Happened

Saddam Hussein warned that Iraq would retaliate against the U.S. globally if attacked, dismissing claims of possessing weapons of mass destruction. Iraq's military is prepared for conflict as UN inspections continue.

  • Saddam stated Iraq would wage war anywhere if attacked.
  • Hans Blix indicated that UN inspections would continue but could be halted at any moment.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views Iraq's defiance as a potential rallying point for anti-U.S. sentiment in the region, affecting its own strategic calculations.
🌍 Regional: The threat of conflict could destabilize neighboring countries and escalate regional tensions, particularly with Iran and Gulf states.
🌐 International: The U.S. and its allies are concerned about the implications of Iraq's threats on global security and the potential for widespread conflict.

📚 Background

In the early 2000s, the U.S. accused Iraq of possessing weapons of mass destruction, leading to heightened tensions and calls for military action. The situation was exacerbated by ongoing UN inspections.

U.S.-Iraq relations Middle Eastern geopolitics
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
As a statement from Saddam Hussein, it reflects the Iraqi government's position and may be biased against U.S. claims.

Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq, stated that if Iraq is attacked, he is prepared to fight the United States anywhere in the world. On Sunday, Saddam told his military commanders that Iraq's enemies must understand that Iraq will wage war wherever there is sky, land, and water. He reiterated that the United States and Britain are lying when they accuse Iraq of hiding prohibited weapons of mass destruction. Earlier, Naji Sabri, Iraq's Foreign Minister, said that his country is ready for war if fighting begins within an hour. Meanwhile, Hans Blix, head of the United Nations weapons inspectors, stated that inspections would continue on Monday, but his team could be pulled out of Iraq at short notice.

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

Translation confidence: 85%

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