War Anniversary 2025 in Tehran: Commemorating Sacrifice, Regional Impact, and Future Outlook
Historical Context of the Iran-Iraq War
Origins and Causes
The Iran-Iraq War did not erupt overnight; it was the culmination of longstanding territorial, political, and ideological tensions. Several key factors contributed:
- Border Disputes: The primary trigger was the dispute over the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a vital channel for both nations’ oil exports. Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, sought control over the waterway, which had been a point of contention since the 1970s.
- Secular vs. Revolutionary Regimes: Iraq was ruled by a secular Arab nationalist government, while Iran had recently undergone the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which aimed to export its revolutionary ideals. Saddam Hussein viewed Iran’s Islamic revolution as a threat to his own regime’s stability and regional dominance.
- Power Dynamics and Regional Ambitions: Saddam aimed to establish Iraq as the dominant Arab power, countering Iran’s revolutionary influence. Conversely, Iran sought to solidify its revolutionary ideals and expand its influence across the Persian Gulf.
- Internal Instability and External Influences: Iraq’s regime was concerned about its own internal unrest, especially among its Shia majority, inspired by Iran’s Islamic revolution. External powers, including Western countries and neighboring Arab states, wary of Iran’s revolutionary threat, supported Iraq diplomatically and militarily in various ways.
The Outbreak of War
On September 22, 1980, Iraq launched a surprise invasion of Iran, aiming to seize the oil-rich Khuzestan province and control the Shatt al-Arab waterway. The initial Iraqi advances were rapid, but Iran’s revolutionary fervor and mobilization of its population led to a prolonged and bloody conflict.
September 25, 2025 | 1:26 pm
