Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, started the war with Iran in 1980 primarily for political and territorial reasons. He wanted to establish Iraqi dominance in the region and gain control over territories that were historically disputed between the two countries, such as the Shatt al-Arab waterway and the oil-rich region of Khuzestan in Iran. Additionally, Hussein sought to weaken Iran, which at the time was led by Ayatollah Khomeini, a rival to his secular Baathist regime. The war ultimately lasted for eight years, resulting in significant loss of life and economic devastation for both countries.
