Editing Iran–Iraq War (section)

===Iraqi military preparations===
[[File:Locator map Iran Khuzestan Province.png|thumb|The location of [[Khuzestan province]] in Iran, which Iraq planned to annex]]

In addition, the area around the [[Shatt al-Arab]] posed no obstacle for Iraqi river-crossing equipment. Iraq correctly deduced that Iran's defences at the crossing points around the [[Karkheh River|Karkheh]] and [[Karoun]] Rivers were undermanned and that the rivers could be easily crossed. Iraqi intelligence was also informed that the Iranian forces in [[Khuzestan province]], which consisted of two divisions prior to the revolution, now only consisted of several ill-equipped and under-strength [[battalion]]s with only a handful of operational [[company (military unit)|company]]-sized tank units.<ref name="iranchamber-iraniraqwar" />

The only qualms the Iraqis had were over the [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]] (formerly the [[Imperial Iranian Air Force]]). Despite the purge of several key pilots and commanders, as well as the lack of spare parts, the air force showed its power during local uprisings and rebellions. They were also active after the failed U.S. attempt to rescue [[Iran hostage crisis|its hostages]], [[Operation Eagle Claw]]. Based on these observations, Iraq's leaders decided to carry out a surprise [[airstrike]] against the Iranian air force's infrastructure prior to the main invasion.<ref name=iranchamber-iraniraqwar />