Today In History: August 20, 1988: Iran-Iraq War Comes to an End After 7 years
- The adoption of UN Resolution 598 on August 20, 1988, facilitated an immediate ceasefire
- The war characterized by extensive trench warfare
- Both Iran and Iraq faced severe economic and social consequences due to the war
On August 20, 1988, the Iran-Iraq War officially came to an end with the acceptance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 598.
This resolution called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops to pre-war borders, effectively bringing an end to the brutal conflict that had lasted for nearly eight years.
The war began in September 1980 when Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Iran. It was characterized by extensive trench warfare, heavy casualties on both sides, and widespread devastation.
The conflict had severe human and economic costs, with estimates of over a million casualties and significant destruction in both countries.
The ceasefire marked a return to the status quo ante bellum, with no significant territorial changes, but the war left lasting scars and had profound effects on the political and social landscapes of both nations.