Iran-Iraq Naval War Volume 3

The Persian Gulf remains one of the most vital waterways in the world. Between September 1980 and August 1988, it was the stage for one of the longest and bloodiest conventional conflicts of the second half of the twentieth century. While extensive literature covers the land and air campaigns, the naval component of this war remains surprisingly under-researched, despite featuring high-intensity combat with state-of-the-art weaponry. Daily engagements between Iranian and Iraqi forces, backed by their respective air assets, became a grim routine, with light vessels trading blows using advanced guided missiles. This forced both belligerents to rapidly adapt, developing simple yet effective countermeasures and tactics in a relentless struggle for maritime superiority. The conflict ultimately culminated in a direct confrontation between Iran and the USA in 1987–1988.

Drawing upon extensive official documentation and the vivid recollections of participants and eyewitnesses, and richly illustrated, Iran-Iraq Naval War, Volume 3, examines the critical escalation of 1984. It details the intensification of Iraqi air strikes using French Super Étendards and Exocet missiles, and the desperate Iranian struggle to maintain their vital convoy system under the protective umbrella of F-14 Tomcats.