What were the main causes and consequences of the French involvement in the Iran-Iraq War?

The Iran-Iraq War, fought between 1980 and 1988, was a major conflict in the Middle East. France was one of the countries that provided support to both sides of the war. The main cause of French involvement was economic interests, as both Iran and Iraq were major clients of French arms manufacturers.

France supported Iraq initially, but then shifted its support towards Iran as the war progressed. This was partly due to pressure from the French public and media, who were sympathetic towards Iran. The French government also saw an opportunity to gain economic benefits from a potential rapprochement with Iran.

The consequences of French involvement were mixed. While France was able to maintain its economic interests in the region, its support for Iran alienated Iraq, which resulted in strained relations between France and Iraq for many years. The war also had a significant impact on the region, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and causing widespread destruction.