Iraq and the United States Restore Diplomatic Relations in 1984

Iraq had invaded Iran in September 1980, beginning a war that transformed American calculations in the Gulf. As the fighting turned against Iraq, the Reagan administration feared an Iranian victory and began supporting Baghdad economically and through intelligence. Senior contacts increased, including Donald Rumsfeld's visits as a presidential envoy in December 1983 and March 1984. [1]

Washington publicly condemned Iraqi chemical weapons use in March 1984, but the Reagan administration continued the rapprochement, giving priority to preventing Iraq's collapse. [1] [2]

Iraq and the United States restored diplomatic relations on 26 November 1984. The announcement followed a visit to Washington by Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz. President Ronald Reagan met him at the White House as the two governments ended a rupture dating to the June 1967 Arab–Israeli war. [2]

The change raised the existing interests sections in Baghdad and Washington to embassy rank. Each government would appoint an ambassador, while the diplomats already heading the sections continued as chargés d’affaires. Belgium and India had provided the protecting arrangements that allowed limited American and Iraqi representation during the years without full relations. [2] [3]

Nizar Hamdoon had led Iraq’s Washington interests section since 1983. An architect, he had held senior party and cultural posts before this assignment. His credentials as ambassador followed on 5 March 1985. [4] [5]

Related Diplomats

1. Nizar Hamdoon [4] [5]

Related Reading

• Iraq and the United States