Khomeini exhorts forces to break Abadan siege

As state radio reported fresh Iraqi attempts to enter Abadan, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini urged Iranian forces to break the siege of the city, Iran's main oil-refining center. The revolutionary leader also called on Iranian forces to throw the Iraqis out of Khorramshahr, where some of the fiercest fighting has raged.

Ayatollah Khomeini appeared to criticize attempts by the clergy to get involved in the war, an involvement believed to be resented by sections of the regular armed forces.

"I and you and those who are not informed about military matters must not interfere in military affairs," he told the clergymen.