The Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988) stemmed from disputes over the oil-rich Khuzestan province and the strategic Shatt al-Arab waterway. Tensions peaked in mid-1980, leading Iraq to launch a surprise airstrike on Iranian bases on September 22, mirroring Israel's 1967 air tactics. However, Iraq underestimated Iran’s military strength, particularly its U.S.-supplied F-14s, and suffered heavy losses in both ground and air combat.

A rare Iraqi success occurred on November 21, 1983, when four MiG-21s ambushed and downed two Iranian F-14s near Bahragan—an event that became legendary due to its rarity amid Iraq’s broader air war struggles.