Algiers Agreement

1975, Iran-Iraq

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July 16, 2026

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The Algiers Agreement of 1975 was a treaty between Iran and Iraq that aimed to resolve border disputes, particularly concerning the Sha\u1e6d\u1e6d Al-\u02bfArab waterway. Iraq agreed to recognize Iranian claims to the eastern bank of the river in exchange for Iran withdrawing support for Iraqi Kurdish rebels. This agreement temporarily eased tensions between the two nations.1

However, the Iran-Iraq War, which began in 1980, saw these agreements break down. Iraq abrogated the 1975 treaty, citing Iranian violations, and invaded Iran. The war, lasting until 1988, was a brutal and destructive conflict that significantly impacted both countries' resources and led to a high number of casualties.23

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Iraq
Foreign policy 1968–80
…Iraq and Iran signed the Algiers Agreement, in which Iraq agreed to move the maritime boundary between the two countries to the thalweg—conditioned on Iran’s withdrawal of support for the Iraqi Kurds. This was followed by improved relations with most gulf states, and in 1975 Egypt’s new president, Anwar Sadat,…
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…Iraq and Iran signed the Algiers Agreement, in which Iraq agreed to move the maritime boundary between the two countries to the thalweg—conditioned on Iran’s withdrawal of support for the Iraqi Kurds. This was followed by improved relations with most gulf states, and in 1975 Egypt’s new president, Anwar Sadat,…
Read More