Sep 1980-1988: Saddam Hussein invades Iran (sep 1, 1980 – jan 1, 1988)

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Hoped to take advantage of a weak Iran, backfires. Afraid of a larger Islamic revolution.

Iran had air power, missiles, and chemical weapons that it received from the US, France, West Germany, and the UK

Iraq had financial backing from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Arab oil producers.

Khomeini rallied support through nationalism.

Bani-Sadr supporters protested in Tehran, counter-protests were often violent.

1988: Ceasefire, 1 mil+ dead, cost both nations $500 mil

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