What is the problem between Iran and Iraq?

 

The Iran-Iraq conflict was a long-standing conflict between Iran and Iraq that lasted from 1980 to 1988. The conflict began when Iraq invaded Iran in September 1980, following a long history of border disputes and tensions between the two countries.

The war was fought along the Iran-Iraq border and saw both sides engage in intense fighting, including the use of chemical weapons. The conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, with estimates ranging from 500,000 to over one million.

The causes of the conflict were complex and multi-faceted. Some of the key factors that contributed to the outbreak of war included territorial disputes, religious differences, and political tensions.

One of the main issues between Iran and Iraq was the long-standing border dispute over the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which is the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that forms a natural boundary between the two countries. Both Iran and Iraq claimed sovereignty over the waterway, which was a major source of tension between the two countries.

Another major factor was the religious divide between the two countries. Iraq is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country, while Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim. The religious differences between the two countries led to tensions and mistrust, and contributed to the outbreak of war.

Finally, the political tensions between the two countries also played a role in the conflict. Iran and Iraq had very different political systems, with Iran being an Islamic republic and Iraq being a secular state. The political differences between the two countries led to mistrust and suspicion, and contributed to the outbreak of war.

The Iran-Iraq conflict had a significant impact on the region and the world as a whole. It resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and left both countries devastated. The conflict also had broader geopolitical implications, as it led to increased tensions between Iran and the United States, and contributed to the destabilization of the Middle East. Despite the signing of a peace agreement in 1988, the legacy of the conflict continues to be felt in the region today.