ABSTRACT
The impact of the revolution on the Iranian economy has been profound, but its effect on the spirit was still more important. Iranian sources have noted that the defence budget more than tripled between 1979-1980 and 1984-1985. Iran’s strategy in the war has always emphasized the decisive role of ground forces and individual commitment over technology. The defence of Islam starts with the defence of the Islamic republic; to safeguard Islam, Iran must win the war. The oil sector of the enemy’s economy has thus been a logical target in the hostilities. Yet, with the exception of the initial exchanges in the first months of the war, and Iran’s success in blocking Iraq’s access to the Gulf for its oil exports, and some attacks on offshore sites, Iran’s oil installations did not come under sustained attack in the first years of the war.
