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BATTLE // September 22, 1980

Battle of Khorramshahr

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Overview

The First Battle of Khorramshahr was a major battle in the Iran–Iraq War, beginning shortly after the Iraqi invasion of Iran in September 1980. Amidst the gruelling urban warfare in and around the city, Khorramshahr came to be referred to by the Iranians as Khuninshahr, as both sides had suffered heavy casualties in combat. It was the single largest urban battle of the Iran–Iraq war.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Iran3,000–5,000
    medium
  • Iraq12,000–20,000
    medium

Iraq fielded a 4.0 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Iran7,000
    medium175% loss rate
  • Iraq2,000
    medium13% loss rate

Commanders (5)

Iran

Iraq

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6 sibling battles · 5 factions

Last verified May 2026
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