War and Isolation (1980s-1990s)

• Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) devastates both nations

• International sanctions imposed over nuclear program

• Death of Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, Ali Khamenei becomes Supreme Leader

• Gradual economic reconstruction and political pragmatism under President Rafsanjani

The eight-year Iran-Iraq War resulted in over 500,000 casualties and significant economic damage to Iran's infrastructure.