An Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Continuation of the Iran–Iraq War after the Liberation of Khorramshahr: A Historical–Strategic Approach

Paria Nasiri¹ Mohammad ezadi²

IOI Code : ACCA-ACABHH
Publication : 4th International Congress on Science, engineering & New Technologies(secongress.com)
Abstract :
    The liberation of Khorramshahr on May 24, 1982 (3 Khordad 1361 in the Iranian calendar), marked one of the most significant turning points in the Iran–Iraq War. Following this event, the question of how to end the war while achieving the military, political, and security objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran gained particular importance. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the continuation of the Iran–Iraq War after the liberation of Khorramshahr and to explain the strategic rationale behind this decision. In terms of purpose, this research is applied; in terms of nature and methodology, it adopts a historical-analytical approach. Data were collected from library and documentary sources, including international documents and resolutions, historical sources, memoirs, reports related to the war, and scholarly studies. The data were examined using thematic analysis. In the analytical process, the factors influencing the continuation of the war were classified and analyzed under four main categories: military-strategic, political-security, legal-diplomatic, and international factors. The findings indicate that the liberation of Khorramshahr fundamentally transformed the strategic environment of the war, shifting it from the defense of Iranian territory and the liberation of occupied areas to the question of determining the conditions for ending the conflict. From a military-strategic perspective, maintaining the initiative, preventing Iraq from rebuilding its military capabilities, and seeking to establish leverage in negotiations were important considerations. From a political-security perspective, concerns about renewed Iraqi aggression and the need to achieve lasting security were influential factors. At the legal-diplomatic level, issues concerning the identification of the aggressor, compensation for war damages, and the guarantees required for a durable end to the conflict played a role in the acceptance or rejection of ceasefire terms. Furthermore, the international context and foreign powers’ support for Iraq influenced Iran’s assessment of the potential consequences of ending the war. The interaction of these factors contributed to the decision to continue the war and extend military operations into Iraqi territory. Operation Ramadan, launched in July 1982, was one of the first manifestations of this strategic shift. In conclusion, the continuation of the war after the liberation of Khorramshahr cannot be explained by a single factor. Rather, the decision resulted from the interaction of military-strategic, political-security, legal-diplomatic, and international factors within the new strategic environment. Although the liberation of Khorramshahr created greater opportunities for ending the war, the prevailing conditions did not necessarily satisfy all the security, political, and legal objectives anticipated by Iranian decision-makers. This gap contributed to the continuation of the war and its transition into a new phase.

Keywords : an analysis of the factors influencing the continuation of the iran iraq war after the liberation of khorramshahr a historical strategic approach