The War of the Cities was one of the most destructive and psychologically impactful aspects of the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). This series of aerial bombardments and missile attacks targeted major urban centers in both Iran and Iraq, with the intent of breaking civilian morale and forcing political concessions. Conducted in five distinct phases, these brutal attacks not only resulted in significant loss of life but also caused widespread displacement and destruction of infrastructure. The conflict demonstrated the growing role of ballistic missiles in modern warfare and highlighted the tragic consequences of targeting civilian populations.
Background of the War of the Cities
The Iran-Iraq War began in September 1980 when Iraqi forces, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Iran. The war was initially characterized by intense ground battles, but as the conflict dragged on, both sides increasingly resorted to targeting cities in an attempt to pressure their adversaries. The War of the Cities involved the use of fighter-bombers, ballistic missiles, and artillery (particularly in border regions), marking one of the first modern conflicts where urban centers were deliberately targeted on such a large scale. The United Nations repeatedly condemned these attacks and urged both sides to refrain from striking civilian areas, but these appeals were largely ignored.