Since 1980, Iraq has been involved in multiple conflicts that drew in neighboring states and regional powers. Understanding which countries have attacked or been attacked by Iraq clarifies the broader pattern of regional security and retaliation.
This overview uses verified events to show the direct military interactions linked to Iraq after 1980, focusing on countries that experienced attacks or became targets of Iraqi aggression.
| Year | Attacker | Target | Conflict or Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Iraq | Iran | Iraq invades Iran starting the Iran–Iraq War | Prolonged war with heavy casualties |
| 1982 | Iran | Iraq | Front stabilizes near border | |
| 1990 | Iraq | Kuwait | Iraq invades and annexes Kuwait | International coalition forces intervene |
| 1991 | Coalition forces | Iraq | Gulf War air and ground campaign | Iraq expelled from Kuwait |
| 1991 | Coalition aircraft | Iraq | No-fly zone enforcement in southern Iraq | Iraqi air defenses suppressed |
| 2003 | United States and coalition | Iraq | Invasion to remove Saddam Hussein | Regime change and long-term instability |
| 2003 | Iraq | United States and coalition | Iraqi forces resist invasion and conduct insurgency | Ongoing insurgency and civil conflict |
Iraq Invasion of Iran in 1980
In September 1980, Iraq launched a large-scale ground and air invasion into Iran, citing territorial disputes over the Shatt al-Arab waterway. This decision transformed a border conflict into an eight-year war that drew in regional actors and global powers.
Iran responded with organized military counteroffensives, pushing deep into Iraqi territory during 1982. These Iranian operations marked the first major instance of Iraq being attacked by another country since the 1975 Algiers Agreement.
Gulf War and the Attack on Kuwait
Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
In August 1990, Iraq deployed armored units across the border to occupy Kuwait, aiming to control oil resources and cancel debt. The invasion was widely condemned and triggered a rapid diplomatic and military response.
Coalition Intervention and Liberation
A U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm in early 1991, using air power and a ground offensive to force Iraq out of Kuwait. The campaign combined multinational forces and precise strikes to degrade Iraqi command, control, and air defenses.
Postwar Enforcement and Regime Change
No-Fly Zones and Air Operations
After 1991, coalition aircraft enforced no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, striking Iraqi air defenses that threatened Kurdish and Shia populations. These operations limited Iraq’s ability to project air power internally.
2003 Invasion and Insurgency
A 2003 coalition invasion led by the United States toppled Saddam Hussein’s government, facing immediate resistance from loyalist units and paramilitary groups. The following insurgency and sectarian violence kept Iraq unstable for years.
Key Takeaways on Iraq Conflicts Since 1980
- Iraq initiated conflicts by attacking Iran in 1980 and Kuwait in 1990.
- Iran and coalition forces, including the United States, attacked or defended against Iraq at different stages.
- Regional stability was heavily affected by these cycles of attack and retaliation.
- International intervention shaped the outcomes of both the Gulf War and the 2003 invasion.
- Understanding these events helps clarify current geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which country attacked Iraq first after 1980?
Iran attacked Iraq first in 1982 with counteroffensives following Iraq's 1980 invasion.
Did Kuwait ever attack Iraq militarily before 1990?
No, Kuwait did not attack Iraq; Iraq attacked Kuwait in 1990.
Which coalition attacked Iraq in 2003?
A U.S.-led coalition, primarily the United States and United Kingdom, attacked Iraq in 2003.
Has Iraq attacked any country since 2003?
No, Iraq has not launched attacks on other countries since 2003, though it has faced ongoing insurgent and terrorist activity.