Iran and Iraq: a history of tension and conflict

From Ruhollah Khomeini and Saddam Hussein taking power, a timeline of a tempestuous relationship 1979 A crucial year in the history of both countries. In February, Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Iran from Paris as leader of the Islamic revolution. In July, Saddam Hussein succeeds the ailing Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr as president of Iraq. September 1980 Iraqi forces invade Iranian territories, starting