The United States played a significant role in the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), though it was not officially involved as a combatant. The United States supported Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s regime, believing that it would serve as a buffer against Iran’s expanding influence and revolutionary ideology. The US provided logistics support, military intelligence, financial assistance, and weapons and assistance in the development of chemical weapons (weapons of mass destruction/WMDs) to Iraq.
In 1983, the US launched Operation Staunch to restrict Iran’s ability to obtain advanced weaponry from abroad. This operation consisted of diplomatic efforts aimed at convincing other countries not to sell arms or provide military aid to Iran.
In August 2013, Foreign Policy Magazine published an article based on CIA documents and interviews with former intelligence officials. The article suggested that the U.S. was aware of Iraq’s use of chemical weapons against Iranian forces and civilians but continued to provide assistance due to strategic interests in the region.
These revelations have sparked debates about the extent of U.S. involvement and responsibility for Iraq’s actions at that time, as well as a broader discussion about international relations and foreign policy decision-making.
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