618 Chapter 5
MID#2109
Dispute Number: 2109
Date(s): January 20, 1970 to February 5, 1970
Participants: 645 Iraq/630 Iran
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On January 20, 1970, a coup that was set to take place in Baghdad actually
failed. Arrests and executions followed, including the arrest of the Second Secretary
at the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, Mr. Abdulkaliq Bushehrizadeh. Upon his return
to Iran, he claimed he had been tortured and forced to admit that Iran was behind the
failed coup attempt. In response to the unrest in Iraq, Iran began to fortify the Iran-
Iraq border with Persian troops. Talks to settle differences between the two countries
began on February 5, 1970, and were mediated by Turkey.
Coding changes: Settlement changed from None.
MID#1135
Dispute Number: 1135
Date(s): November 30, 1971 to June 10, 1972
Participants: 630 Iran/200 United Kingdom, 645 Iraq, 696 United Arab Emirates
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: Iranian military forces seized three disputed islands, Aba Musa and
Greater and Lesser Tumbs, in the Persian Gulf on November 30, 1971. The Trucial
State of Ras al Khaimah immediately protested the invasion and occupation of the
island of Greater and Lesser Tumbs and also protested directly to Britain since they
were responsible for their protection under current agreements. Instead, Iran made an
agreement with Britain and Ras al Khaimah for the occupation of the islands. Brit-
ain was ending its protectorate. Iran was able to occupy the other island, Aba Musa,
without opposition, and made an agreement with the Trucial State of Sharjah to split
the oil revenues and keep and Iranian base on the island. Iraq immediately protested
to the United Nations and cut diplomatic ties with both Britain and Iran. Demonstra-
tors in Iraq called for an armed reaction since Iranian forces now had control of both
sides of the gulf.
On December 31, Iraq expelled more than 250,000 Iranians and gave them 24
hours to return to Iran. Iraqi police opened fire on deportees and killed six Iranians on
January 4, 1972, and on January 17, there was a military clash at the border resulting
in several casualties. There was again a four-day clash at the border on April 15, and
heavy casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Iraq signed a treaty with the Soviet Union
and also urged guerrillas to set up a “bomb and bullet campaign” to disrupt the Nixon
visit to Iran. Then, on June 16, Iraqi-supported terrorists bombed Iran. Iran responded
by executing four Iraqi trained saboteurs at the end of July.
Coding changes: Added to the dispute: 200 United Kingdom and 696 United Arab
Emirates. End Date changed from June 3, 1972.