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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei issued a statement on the 85th anniversary of Iran's occupation during World War II.

Baqaei said that the 3rd of Shahrivar marks the 85th anniversary of the attack on Iran by the parties to the war, noting that despite Iran's official declaration of neutrality, the country was occupied by the Soviet Union and Britain on 3 Shahrivar 1320. Baqaei stated that Soviet forces attacked Iran by land and air from the north and east, while British forces attacked from the south and west.

Baqaei said that the Iranian army disintegrated within a few days and major cities were occupied, adding that Shah Reza Pahlavi abdicated 22 days after the attack and was sent into exile.

Baqaei said that what happened would never be erased from the memory of Iranians, stating, "In both world wars, even more grievous than the destruction of the country, the loss of countless lives and the looting of Iranians' property was the insult to the dignity of an honorable and noble nation that had no role in these wars."