sep 22, 1980 - Saddam Hussein invades Iran

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WHY DID SADDAM HUSSEIN INVADE IRAN IN 1980?
-Saddam feared that the Shia Muslims in Iraq were plotting to overthrow him inspired by the words of Khomeini.
-He also feared that the Iranians were plotting to overthrow.
-TERRITORIAL DISPUTES: Iraq had a very limited access to the Persian gulf which was essential for selling oil. Iran had much more access and Saddam wanted some of this land. He also wanted to seize some of southern Iran which had rich oil preserves.
-As Iran had just had a revolution, it was particularly weak. The US had been supplying Iran with weapons and this alliance was now over. Islamic fundamentalists had also purged many military officials, reducing it's strength.

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