Iran–Iraq War
1980.09.22~1988.08
The war initiated by Iraq’s attack continued for a prolonged period before transitioning to a UN-mediated ceasefire.
The outbreak date is confirmed. The end is shown at monthly precision as 1988/8, when the ceasefire took effect.
Conditions at the time
Disputes between the countries escalated into armed conflict, and regional security issues became internationalized.
How events unfolded
The UN yearbook records that Iraq began the war on 1980/9/22.
Stakeholders and impacts
Iranian and Iraqi soldiers, civilians and UN mediators were the main parties.
Information available at the time
UN documents in 1988 contained both ceasefire conditions and each side’s allegations of continuing attacks.
Findings confirmed later
The war ended through ceasefire agreements, monitoring and withdrawal rather than a single declaration.
Alternative interpretations and limitations
Since allegations of violations continued after the ceasefire, the end is not equated with complete resolution of conflict.
Source-based context and interpretation
UN follow-up records describe declining ceasefire-violation complaints, but troop withdrawal to internationally recognized boundaries remained incomplete the following year. The parties disagreed over the sequencing of withdrawal, direct talks and prisoner repatriation. Stopping combat and implementing the whole peace framework were distinct achievements. ASSETCASTING interpretation: A ceasefire is an important boundary, not simultaneous resolution of territorial, navigation and prisoner issues. Read the end of the war through reduced fighting, monitoring arrangements and implementation of agreed obligations separately.
Evidence coverage through 1989-09-22 · Sources checked 2026-10-14
Related events and periods1
- Inflation shocks and the shift to tightening
An event or period whose recorded start falls within this editorial interval. This does not establish that it caused or represents the characteristics of the era, nor guarantee that the entire period falls within the interval.
Historical events do not guarantee future recurrence or investment performance.