Saddam Hussein
President of Iraq 1979-2003; executed in 2006 following US invasion and trial.
Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq until the US-led invasion of 2003, after invading Iran in 1980 and Kuwait in 1990. His wars remain a reference point in Gulf security debates.
Last refreshed: 22 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
The West armed him, then toppled him; why does that history still shape Gulf politics?
Timeline for Saddam Hussein
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Iran Conflict 2026Background
Saddam Hussein was Iraq's president from 1979 until 2003. He led a centralised Ba'athist state and was removed after the US-led invasion of Iraq. An Iraqi tribunal convicted him, and he was executed in December 2006.
His decision to invade Iran in 1980 began the Iran-Iraq War. The conflict shaped Iranian threat perceptions, including its view of Gulf shipping and foreign military pressure. Saddam's government also used chemical weapons against Kurdish civilians at Halabja in 1988.
The legacy remains relevant because Iran's leaders frame military pressure through the experience of the 1980s war and subsequent US intervention. During the 2026 conflict, US reporting described Tehran under pressure from air strikes and without adequate civilian shelter. Donald Trump also demanded Iran's surrender on 6 March.
Why is Saddam Hussein relevant to the 2026 Iran conflict?
Did the US support Saddam Hussein against Iran?
How did Saddam Hussein die?
Did Saddam Hussein use chemical weapons at Halabja?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 September 2026. Editorial standards.