The 1975 victory; a major watershed in Vietnam’s national defense history
The Great 1975 Spring Victory is a golden point and pivotal turn in Vietnam’s history when the nation completely defeated the American war of aggression and domination in the South, unifying the two regions under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
Long struggle for independence and unity
After the success of the August Revolution in 1945, which overthrew the domination of French colonialists, Japanese fascists, and the feudal regime, President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam on September 2, 1945, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Following that, after nine years of prolonged and arduous resistance, the Vietnamese achieved the historic Dien Bien Phu victory on May 7, 1954 - a triumph that resounded across the five continents and shook the globe. This forced France to sit at the negotiation table and sign the Geneva Accords on July 21, 1954, to end hostilities in Vietnam. According to the agreement, French forces were to withdraw, and the country was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel in Quang Tri Province between North Vietnam and South Vietnam in preparation for nationwide elections.
However, the United States intervened militarily in South Vietnam, establishing the Saigon regime to sabotage the agreement and pursue a long-term division of the country — a move that went against the Vietnamese people’s deep-rooted aspiration for peace, independence, and national reunification.
Through countless hardships and great sacrifices, with invaluable support from international friends, the Vietnamese People’s Army achieved significant advantages on the battlefield between 1965–1972. These efforts eventually forced the US and the Saigon regime to the negotiation table, leading to the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on January 27, 1973. According to the agreement, the US had to recognize the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Vietnam and withdraw all its forces from South Vietnam.
The Paris Accords marked the end of the longest diplomatic negotiation in modern world history—lasting 4 years, 8 months, and 14 days—and stood as a pinnacle of Vietnam’s diplomatic success. It also reflected the worldwide solidarity movement for peace and independence, advancing the global struggle for sovereignty, democracy, and progress.
The Ho Chi Minh Campaign and
national reunification
By late 1974 and early 1975, recognizing that the revolutionary balance in the South was tilting decisively, the Politburo of the CPV initiated a plan to completely liberate the South by 1975-1976.
On April 26, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign commenced. Five divisions of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam broke through the final enemy defenses and advanced into Saigon—then the seat of the puppet regime. On April 30, armored units stormed the Independence Palace and captured the entire cabinet. The campaign ended at 11:30 AM, with the flag of the National Liberation Front hoisted on the rooftop, symbolizing a momentous victory and the end of 30 years of national resistance.
From a divided nation
to a rising star
Vietnam’s April 30, the 1975 victory opened a glorious chapter in its millennia-long journey of national defense and nation-building. The Vietnamese once again overcame a superior adversary, ending over a century of foreign occupation and division. This victory has inspired global movements for national liberation and resistance to neo-colonialism.
It also confirmed the brilliance of the CPV’s revolutionary and military strategy and President Ho Chi Minh’s visionary leadership. The people’s war strategy, deeply rooted in unity and popular mobilization across all fronts, played a decisive role.
Despite facing continued challenges after reunification—including the US embargo—Vietnam, under the CPV’s clear-sighted leadership, adopted a bold and pragmatic reform mindset. It opened the economy, engaged diplomatically, and reconciled with former adversaries.
A story of remarkable growth
From being among the world’s poorest nations in the 1980s, Vietnam has transformed dramatically. In 2024, the country’s economic growth rate reached 7.09%, with GDP at USD 476.3 billion, ranking 35 economies worldwide by GDP and top 20 in international trade globally. GDP per capita reached USD 4,700, a 58-fold increase over three decades. Poverty has plunged from 58% in 1993 to 1.93% in 2024.
Vietnam’s total import-export turnover hit USD 786.29 billion, with a trade surplus of USD 24.77 billion. It also secured USD 38.23 billion in FDI and welcomed 17.6 million international tourists, up 39.5% from 2023.
As of 2025, the country maintains diplomatic ties with 194 countries and territories, including 12 comprehensive strategic partners and 20 strategic partners.
Vietnam has proven to be a trustworthy partner and proactive global citizen-engaging actively in ASEAN, the United Nations, and other international platforms.
Strengthening ties
with Iran and the world
Vietnam and Iran share remarkable similarities in strategic positioning, cultural richness, and national pride. Their ties trace back centuries through cultural and commercial exchanges. In 2023, the two nations celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with a series of political, cultural, and diplomatic events.
Vietnam always extends heartfelt gratitude to the leaders and people of Iran for their consistent support and growing cooperation, which have contributed to Vietnam’s national achievements. Vietnam remains confident that, under wise leadership, Iran will continue to make great strides in enhancing its role and influence—contributing to peace and prosperity in the Middle East and the world.
Looking ahead: a vision for the future
Guided by the CPV, Vietnam is determined to achieve its “centenary goals”: becoming a high middle-income nation with a modern industrial economy by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. Innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development will be at the core of this transformation, moving beyond a resource-based, labor-intensive model to one powered by technology, knowledge, and creativity.
April 30, 1975 is more than a military triumph—it is a symbol of Vietnamese resilience, patriotism, and unity. As Vietnam steps into the future, it continues to uphold these values, striving to ensure peace, security, and happiness for its people—while joining hands with the world to foster global peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
This opinion piece was provided to Iran Daily by the Embassy of Vietnam in Tehran, Iran, on May 3, 2025.