On this day September 22, 1980 Iraq launched a full-scale invasion of Iran, beginning what became known as the Iran-Iraq War. This brutal conflict, which lasted for nearly eight years, was one of the longest conventional wars of the 20th century and caused massive devastation across both nations.
The invasion began with Iraqi forces crossing the border and targeting Iranian air bases in an attempt to gain a quick advantage. What followed was a prolonged struggle marked by trench warfare, heavy casualties, and significant destruction of infrastructure. Both sides endured enormous losses, with millions affected by the fighting.
For people around the world, the Iran-Iraq War became a defining international crisis of the 1980s. It reshaped regional politics in the Middle East, drew the attention of global powers, and highlighted the dangers of modern warfare with the use of chemical weapons and large-scale assaults.
80s insight: The Iran-Iraq War underscored how the 1980s were shaped not only by pop culture but also by global conflicts that had lasting impacts on politics, security, and international relations.
The invasion began with Iraqi forces crossing the border and targeting Iranian air bases in an attempt to gain a quick advantage. What followed was a prolonged struggle marked by trench warfare, heavy casualties, and significant destruction of infrastructure. Both sides endured enormous losses, with millions affected by the fighting.
For people around the world, the Iran-Iraq War became a defining international crisis of the 1980s. It reshaped regional politics in the Middle East, drew the attention of global powers, and highlighted the dangers of modern warfare with the use of chemical weapons and large-scale assaults.
80s insight: The Iran-Iraq War underscored how the 1980s were shaped not only by pop culture but also by global conflicts that had lasting impacts on politics, security, and international relations.
