[The "Survival Techniques of Isolated Nations" Taught by the Iran-Iraq War] For 8 years, the US, USSR, and France banded together to support Iraq. Yet, Iran did not perish. In the midst of the Cold War, Iraq began its invasion in 1980. Iran faced three nuclear superpowers as enemies simultaneously, suffering a million casualties, but fought until the ceasefire in 1988. This war overturned the common belief that "if great powers support you, you can win" over the course of 8 years.