The tanker war during the Iran-Iraq conflict

Beginning in 1980, the Iran-Iraq War became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Cold War era. From 1984 onwards, both nations systematically targeted commercial vessels and oil tankers in the Persian Gulf to disrupt each other's oil exports and economic stability. This period of hostility is referred to by analysts as the tanker war. Over the course of the conflict, more than 400 commercial ships were subjected to attacks. Vessels were hit by Exocet missiles, aerial bombardment, and naval mines placed in narrow shipping lanes. Despite the frequent fires, sinkings, and risks to crews, the transport of oil continued through the region. The conflict turned the Persian Gulf into one of the world's most dangerous maritime zones during the mid-1980s.