MNA � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message on Sunday said that culture of altruism, fortitude and martyrdom have been the keys to protect the country against threats and pressures.

�The history of Iran and the Islamic Revolution is filled with numerous braveries and honors; however, the history of eight years of selfless defense of our men and women [against Baath forces] has a special place,� Zarif said on the 30th liberation anniversary of Iranian prisoners of the 1980-88 Iraq-Iran War and their return to the country.

�Among these glories, our brave POWs, who tolerated the cruel tortures of the Baath regime, have shown that they have an irreplaceable and significant role [in our history].�

�Our POWs proved that with perseverance and patience, along with bravery and grandeur, we can always overcome whipping, torture and solitary confinement," Zarif said.