“Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988): Causes, Key Events, and Lasting Impact Explained”

The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) was a brutal conflict between two neighboring countries in the Middle East, and it’s one of the longest conventional wars of the 20th century. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Quick Summary

When: 1980 to 1988

Where: Primarily along the Iran-Iraq border

Why: Power, territory, religion, and revenge

Result: Stalemate — no clear winner, huge losses on both sides

Why Did It Start?

1. Territorial Disputes

Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) wanted control of the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a vital shipping route.

Saddam also wanted to seize oil-rich areas in western Iran.

2. Fear of Iran’s Revolution

In 1979, Iran’s Islamic Revolution overthrew the Shah and brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power.

Saddam feared Iran would inspire Shi’a Muslims in Iraq to rise up against him.

3. Power Grab

Saddam saw Iran in chaos after the revolution and thought it was the perfect time to strike and become the dominant power in the Gulf.

What Happened During the War?

Iraq invaded Iran in September 1980, expecting a quick victory. Instead, Iran fought back fiercely.

The war turned into trench warfare, similar to WWI — with massive casualties and little ground gained.

Chemical weapons were used, especially by Iraq.

Both countries bombed cities and targeted oil tankers in the Persian Gulf (the “Tanker War”).

Children and teenagers were even used in human wave attacks by Iran.

Who Supported Whom?

Iraq: Backed by the U.S., Soviet Union, Gulf states, and Western Europe (they saw Iran as the bigger threat)

Iran: Largely isolated, but got some weapons through black markets (including parts of the Iran-Contra affair with the U.S.)

End of the War

After 8 years of fighting and nearly 1 million dead or wounded, both sides were exhausted.

In 1988, a UN ceasefire (Resolution 598) was accepted.

Borders returned mostly to where they were before — nothing major was gained.

Aftermath

Both economies were wrecked.

Iraq was deeply in debt, especially to Kuwait