Iran-Iraq War Causes and Course

Study Notes

Iraq's desire to annex the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which was a crucial shipping route for Iran
Disputes over border demarcation and territorial claims
Ideological differences between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the secular, Arab nationalist government of Iraq
Iraq's perception of Iran's Islamic Revolution as a threat to its own security and stability

Started on September 22, 1980, when Iraq invaded Iran
Lasted for eight years, until August 20, 1988
Fought on multiple fronts, including land, air, and sea
Involved the use of chemical weapons, ballistic missiles, and human wave attacks
Iran's strategy focused on wearing down the Iraqi army through attrition and mobilizing popular support
Iraq's strategy focused on capturing key cities and infrastructure, and using superior firepower to overwhelm Iranian forces

The Siege of Abadan (1980-1981): Iran successfully defended the city, which was a crucial industrial center
The Liberation of Khorramshahr (1982): Iran recaptured the city, which had been occupied by Iraq since the start of the war
The Tanker War (1984-1987): Iraq and Iran attacked each other's oil tankers and shipping lanes, leading to international intervention
The Al-Anfal Campaign (1988): Iraq launched a series of chemical attacks against Kurdish civilians in northern Iraq, which was widely condemned by the international community

Estimated death toll: 500,000-1,000,000 people
Estimated number of wounded: 1,000,000-2,000,000 people
Millions of people displaced or forced to flee their homes
Widespread destruction of infrastructure, including cities, towns, and agricultural land
The war had significant economic and environmental consequences for both countries

The United States provided military aid and intelligence to Iraq, viewing Iran as a threat to regional stability
The Soviet Union provided military aid to both sides, but leaned towards supporting Iraq
Other countries, such as France and China, also provided military aid to Iraq
The United Nations eventually intervened, passing Resolution 598 in 1987, which called for a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces to pre-war boundaries

Iraq desired to annex the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a crucial shipping route for Iran
Disputes over border demarcation and territorial claims contributed to the war
Ideological differences between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq's secular, Arab nationalist government fueled tensions
Iraq perceived Iran's Islamic Revolution as a threat to its security and stability

The war started on September 22, 1980, with Iraq's invasion of Iran
The conflict lasted for eight years, until August 20, 1988
The war was fought on multiple fronts, including land, air, and sea
Chemical weapons, ballistic missiles, and human wave attacks were used during the war
Iran's strategy focused on wearing down the Iraqi army through attrition and mobilizing popular support
Iraq's strategy focused on capturing key cities and infrastructure, using superior firepower to overwhelm Iranian forces

The Siege of Abadan (1980-1981) saw Iran successfully defend the city, a crucial industrial center
The Liberation of Khorramshahr (1982) marked a key victory for Iran, as it recaptured the city from Iraq
The Tanker War (1984-1987) involved Iraq and Iran attacking each other's oil tankers and shipping lanes, prompting international intervention
The Al-Anfal Campaign (1988) saw Iraq launch a series of chemical attacks against Kurdish civilians in northern Iraq, sparking international condemnation

Estimates suggest 500,000-1,000,000 people died during the war
1,000,000-2,000,000 people were wounded
Millions of people were displaced or forced to flee their homes
Widespread destruction of infrastructure, including cities, towns, and agricultural land, occurred
The war had significant economic and environmental consequences for both countries

The United States provided military aid and intelligence to Iraq, viewing Iran as a threat to regional stability
The Soviet Union provided military aid to both sides, but favored Iraq
France and China, among others, provided military aid to Iraq
The United Nations intervened with Resolution 598 in 1987, calling for a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces to pre-war boundaries