The war began with a series of Iraqi offensives that aimed to seize Iranian territory and cripple the Iranian military. Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq at the time, saw an opportunity to weaken Iran, which was dealing with internal turmoil following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The conflict quickly escalated as both sides engaged in brutal warfare, with heavy casualties on both sides. The war lasted for eight years, with no clear victor emerging. Both countries suffered immense human and economic losses, with estimates of up to one million casualties on both sides. The war finally came to an end in August 1988, with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. The conflict left a lasting impact on both countries, leading to strained relations for years to come and shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
