On July 17, Iran informed the United Nations of its willingness to countenance a cease-fire. “Taking this decision was more deadly than taking poison,” Khomeini declared. “I submitted myself to God’s will and drank this drink for his satisfaction.” But vengeance was still his ambition. “God willing,” he said, “we will empty our hearts’ anguish at the appropriate time by taking revenge on the Al Saud and America,” he added.
