4. What additional factors led to the destabilization of the Mid: What role did the assassination attempt on Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz in April 1980 play in escalating tensions between Iraq and Iran?

Question

What role did the assassination attempt on Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz in April 1980 play in escalating tensions between Iraq and Iran?

Lewis Gant 45m3 · Accepted Answer

The assassination attempt, believed to have been orchestrated by Iraqi Shi’ites sympathetic to the Iranian Revolution, was a direct challenge to Saddam’s regime and confirmed his fears of Iranian influence within Iraq, further pushing Iraq towards war.