The Iran-Iraq War: America's Proxy Conflict (1980–1988)

The Iran-Iraq War was one of the deadliest conflicts of the 20th century — over 1 million dead, many more wounded. The United States backed Saddam Hussein's Iraq throughout, even as Iraq used chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers and Kurdish civilians.

The Invasion

On September 22, 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, seeking to exploit the revolutionary chaos. Saddam Hussein expected a quick victory. Instead, Iran rallied, and the war devolved into brutal trench warfare reminiscent of World War I.

US Support for Iraq

The Reagan administration tilted heavily toward Iraq:

• Intelligence sharing: The US provided satellite imagery of Iranian troop movements to Iraq
• Economic aid: Billions in agricultural credits that freed Iraqi money for weapons
• Diplomatic cover: The US blocked UN Security Council condemnations of Iraq's chemical weapons use
• Direct military involvement: US Navy engaged Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf (Operation Earnest Will)
• Donald Rumsfeld: Sent as special envoy to Baghdad in 1983 to meet Saddam Hussein, even as the US knew Iraq was using chemical weapons

Chemical Weapons

Iraq used mustard gas, tabun, and other chemical weapons extensively against Iranian forces. The most notorious incident was the Halabja massacre (March 1988), when Iraq used chemical weapons on the Kurdish town of Halabja, killing 3,200–5,000 civilians. The US initially attempted to blame Iran for the attack.

The Tanker War

Both sides attacked oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, threatening global oil supplies. The US Navy intervened to protect Kuwaiti tankers (reflagged as US vessels), effectively entering the war on Iraq's side.

End and Legacy

The war ended in August 1988 with no territorial changes — a devastating stalemate. Khomeini called accepting the ceasefire "more deadly than taking poison."

For Iranians, the war is known as the "Sacred Defense." Every Iranian family was affected. The memory of US support for Iraq — especially the chemical weapons complicity — remains a core grievance. When American officials lecture Iran about weapons of mass destruction, Iranians remember who helped Saddam gas their soldiers.