Velayati visits Japan during the continuing war

The Iranian offensive toward Basra did not achieve its main strategic objective, but Iranian forces retained parts of the Majnoon Islands. The result created a contested island front and prompted...

Before further Baghdad talks, Rumsfeld requested a list of countries approached about arms transfers to Iran and the status of each approach. The cable documents Washington’s campaign to constrain...

A U.S. UN mission cable described British and Dutch efforts toward a Security Council response to chemical warfare and Iraq’s request for restraint. The discussion followed the UN experts’ report.

Nizar Hamdoon told James Placke that Iraq preferred a Security Council presidential statement without naming a responsible state. Placke said Washington could accept a statement if Council consensus...

A State Department briefing announced licensing controls for five chemical compounds exported to Iran and Iraq. Applying the restrictions to both sides did not itself establish Iranian chemical...

NSDD 139 directed a plan to avert Iraqi collapse and strengthened U.S. Gulf readiness. For Iran, the policy showed Washington’s determination to prevent a decisive Iranian victory.

Brown & Root announced a contract for an Iraqi oil-export pipeline project bypassing Hormuz. Alternative routes could sustain Iraq’s revenues despite wartime disruption.

A U.S. cable reported negotiations for 20–25 Bell helicopters for Iraq’s Defense Ministry. It stipulated that helicopters could not be configured for military use; negotiations are not proof of...

Iran held parliamentary elections while the war continued. Candidate screening and the Freedom Movement’s boycott accompanied the vote, reflecting limits and disputes within wartime political life.

Iraq warned shipping companies that it would continue attacks on tankers using Iran’s Kharg terminal. The threat targeted the maritime network sustaining Iranian oil income.