Iran-Iraq War When did the war begin and why?
The Iran-Iraq War, also known as the First Persian Gulf War, was a decade-long conflict that took place between Iran and Iraq from September 1980 to August 1988. This war is considered one of the deadliest and longest conventional wars in the 20th century, with an estimated death toll ranging from half a million to over a million people.
The origins of this war can be traced back to centuries of rivalry and territorial disputes between these neighboring countries. However, the region's political tensions and power struggles during the late 1970s ultimately led to its outbreak.
To understand the root causes of the Iran-Iraq War, we must first examine the historical context leading up to it. Iran and Iraq were rich in oil reserves and had long been competing for control over the Shatt al-Arab waterway, their main access point to the Persian Gulf. The dispute over this strategic waterway intensified following the British withdrawal from controlling it in 1971.
Furthermore, religious differences between these two nations played a significant role in fueling animosity. Iraq's population was predominantly Shia Muslim, while its ruling Ba'ath Party was mainly Sunni-dominated. In contrast, Iran had undergone an Islamic revolution in February 1979 under Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership and became an Islamic Republic with Shia Islam as its official religion.
The Spark of Conflict: Events Leading to the War
One of the main factors that led to the war was long-standing territorial disputes. The border between Iran and Iraq had been a source of tension since the early 20th century when British colonial powers drew arbitrary boundaries without considering ethnic and tribal divisions. Saddam Hussein's desire to control the Shatt al-Arab waterway, crucial for Iraq's access to the Persian Gulf, further exacerbated this issue.
Another significant event that contributed to the war was Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979. The overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his replacement with Ayatollah Khomeini marked a major shift in power dynamics in the region. The new Iranian regime openly denounced Iraq’s Ba'athist government and accused it of oppressing its Shia population. This ideological clash fueled animosity between the two countries, especially as Khomeini called for an Islamic revolution across Muslim-majority nations.
In September 1980, tensions reached a breaking point when Iraqi forces launched a full-scale invasion of Iranian territory. This attack came after months of border skirmishes over disputed territories and oil-rich regions like Khuzest.
Timeline of the Iran-Iraq War
1. The Border Dispute (1975-1980)
The border dispute between Iraq and Iran dates back to 1975 when Iraq claimed sovereignty over Shatt al-Arab – a waterway situated at their common border with Iran. The dispute escalated in 1979 after the Iranian Revolution toppled the Pahlavi monarchy and replaced it with an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership.
2. Iraqi Invasion (September 22, 1980)
On September 22, 1980, Iraq launched a full-scale invasion of Iran by crossing the Shatt al-Arab River. This attack caught Iran off guard as they were still dealing with internal political turmoil after their revolution just months earlier.
3. The Initial Stages (1980-1982)
In these initial stages, Iraq quickly gained control of most major cities in Khuzestan province.
Key Players and Motivations for Involvement
To understand why the war started, it is essential to look at the key players involved and their motivations for getting involved in this brutal conflict.
1. Iraq - Saddam Hussein's Quest for Power:
At the heart of the Iran-Iraq War was Iraq's leader, Saddam Hussein. He had been in power since 1979 after a bloody coup d'état that overthrew his predecessor. From the beginning, Hussein sought to establish himself as a dominant figure in the Middle East by projecting an image of strength and leadership.
One of his main motivations for starting the war with Iran was to gain control over important oil-rich territories such as Khuzestan province. Additionally, he wanted to assert himself as a regional power by defeating Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolutionary regime in Iran.
Furthermore, Hussein saw an opportunity to exploit Iran's weakened state after its revolution and establishment of an Islamic government. He believed that he could quickly defeat Iran and strengthen his hold on power by uniting Iraq around a common enemy. Continue below.
2. Iran - The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism:
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked a significant shift in power dynamics within the region. It led
Major Battles and Turning Points
The Iran-Iraq War, also known as the First Gulf War, was a devastating conflict that lasted from 1980 to 1988 and resulted in the loss of countless lives and the destruction of infrastructure. It began with a series of border disputes between Iraq and Iran but quickly escalated into a full-scale war fueled by political, religious, and territorial tensions.
1. The Battle for Khuzestan: In September 1980, Iraqi forces launched a surprise attack on Iranian oil fields in Khuzestan province, marking the official start of the conflict. This region was strategically important for both countries due to its vast reserves of oil and access to shipping routes. The intense fighting in this area lasted for several months, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
2. Siege of Basra: In early 1982, Iraqi forces laid siege to Basra – Iraq's second-largest city – which was located near their shared border with Iran. Despite fierce resistance from Iranian troops, including revolutionary guards and volunteers, Iraq eventually captured Basra after eight months of bloody urban warfare.
3. The Battle for Khorramshahr: One of the most significant turning points came in early 1982 when Iranian forces mounted a counter-offensive to reclaim Khorramshahr – a vital
Impact on the Region and Global Politics
The Iran-Iraq War had a significant impact not only on the two countries involved but also on the entire Middle East region and global politics. Lasting for eight long years, from 1980 to 1988, this conflict marked one of the most brutal and devastating wars in recent history.
Regionally, the war caused a ripple effect across the already volatile Middle East. Iran and Iraq were major regional players, with large populations and vast oil resources. The war resulted in severe economic consequences for both countries, as their economies depended heavily on oil exports. The destruction of infrastructure, disruption of trade routes, and loss of human capital all contributed to a decline in economic growth and stability.
Furthermore, this war had significant political implications for neighboring countries as well. Many regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Israel, supported either side or tried to maintain a balance between them. This led to increased tensions and rivalries among these nations that continue to shape current events in the Middle East.
On a global scale, the Iran-Iraq War had far-reaching effects on international relations. The involvement of major world powers such as the United States and the Soviet Union further escalated tensions between them during the Cold War era. Both superpowers provided support to different sides of the conflict, leading to an intensification of proxy battles fought through their respective allies.
The dangers of external interference
The involvement of other nations in the Iran-Iraq War also played a significant role in its escalation and prolongation. Both sides received support from various foreign powers, including the United States, the Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. These external actors provided military aid and fueled tensions by backing different factions within each country.
This interference further complicated an already complex conflict and made it challenging to reach a resolution. The lesson here is that outside intervention can have dire consequences on regional conflicts and often makes things worse rather than better.
It was towards the end of the bitter war that Sadam was accused of using chemical weapons on his own people. The eight-year-long war resulted in immense human losses on both sides, with between 500,000 to one million lives lost.
