The Abrogation of the Algiers Agreement
On September 17, 1979, Saddam Hussein announced the abrogation of the Algiers Agreement, declaring Iraq’s sovereignty over the entirety of the Shatt al‑Arab. This bold statement marked the end of any pretense of a negotiated peace and set the stage for a full‑scale military campaign.
Iraq’s Invasion and Early Gains
Iraq launched its invasion of Iran on September 22, 1980. In the initial weeks, Iraqi forces captured Khorramshahr and other strategic border areas. The Iraqi army advanced deep into southwestern Iran, confident that it could secure a quick victory. Meanwhile, the Iranian regime mobilized its forces and leveraged the revolutionary fervor of the Basij, the IRGC, and volunteers across the country.
The Turning Point: The Liberation of Khorramshahr
A pivotal moment came on June 22, 1982, when Iran managed to liberate Khorramshahr. The recapture of the city bolstered the morale of the Iranian forces and marked a shift in the dynamics of the war. Iraq, now pushed back to its own borders, called for a ceasefire and announced its willingness to accept UN mediation. The United Nations responded with a ceasefire proposal that Iraq embraced, pledging to adhere to international borders (with certain contested areas like Mimak and Arvand Rud excepted).