Turbulent Waters: The Iran-Iraq War and U.S. Involvement

This chapter explores the multifaceted conflict between Iraq and Iran during the Iran-Iraq War, focusing on the economic and military strategies employed by both nations, particularly in the oil-rich Strait of Hormuz. It examines the U.S. military's controversial involvement to protect Kuwaiti tankers and the subsequent escalation of tensions with Iran, including a tragic incident where a U.S. Navy ship mistakenly shot down an Iranian civilian airliner. The narrative highlights the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations amidst a backdrop of naval warfare and the disastrous consequences of miscommunication.