March 7, 1989

Iran and the United Kingdom broke diplomatic relations over Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses," which had provoked a fatwa calling for Rushdie's death.

Tehran, Iran | Iranian Government

Break in Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and the United Kingdom - March 7, 1989

On March 7, 1989, diplomatic relations between Iran and the United Kingdom were severed, a significant event stemming from the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie’s novel, The Satanic Verses. This rupture was a direct consequence of the fatwa issued by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, calling for the death of Rushdie due to the book’s perceived blasphemy against Islam.

Background

  • Publication of *The Satanic Verses*: Salman Rushdie, a British-Indian author, published The Satanic Verses in September 1988. The novel, which includes elements of magical realism and explores themes of identity and belief, was met with critical acclaim in literary circles. However, it also sparked outrage among some Muslim communities due to its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad and other religious elements.

  • Initial Reactions: The book was banned in several countries with significant Muslim populations, including India, Pakistan, and South Africa. Protests erupted in various parts of the world, with demonstrators condemning the book as blasphemous.

  • The Fatwa: On February 14, 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, a religious edict, calling for the execution of Salman Rushdie and anyone involved in the publication of the book. This declaration escalated the controversy to an international crisis, as it was perceived as an incitement to violence against Rushdie, who was a British citizen.

Diplomatic Fallout

  • UK’s Response: The British government, led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, condemned the fatwa and emphasized the importance of free speech and the protection of its citizens. The UK provided Rushdie with police protection due to credible threats against his life.

  • Iran-UK Diplomatic Break: The situation deteriorated further when Iran refused to retract the fatwa, leading to the United Kingdom breaking diplomatic relations with Iran on March 7, 1989. This was a significant diplomatic move, reflecting the severity of the situation and the UK’s stance on protecting its citizens and upholding freedom of expression.

Aftermath and Significance

  • Impact on Rushdie: Salman Rushdie lived under police protection for many years, significantly impacting his personal and professional life. Despite the threats, he continued to write and publish works.

  • Long-term Relations: The diplomatic break was a low point in Iran-UK relations, which took years to normalize. It highlighted the tensions between Western values of free expression and religious sensitivities in the Muslim world.

  • Cultural and Political Discourse: The incident sparked widespread debate on issues of free speech, censorship, and the limits of artistic expression. It also underscored the potential for literature to provoke significant political and cultural conflicts.

The break in diplomatic relations over The Satanic Verses remains a poignant example of the intersection between literature, religion, and international politics, illustrating the profound impact that cultural works can have on global affairs.

Reference: en.wikipedia.org