Operation Dawn 3 was Iran's costliest defeat among the Dawn operations, resulting in the recapture of Mehran by Iraqi forces.
Key Facts
- Iranian troops deployed
- ~180,000
- Operation date
- 9 August 1983
- Province
- Ilam Province, Iran
- Outcome for Iran
- Decisive defeat; Mehran recaptured by Iraq
- Conflict
- Iran–Iraq War
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Iran–Iraq War, Iranian forces sought to liberate the city of Mehran, improve logistical routes between Dehloran, Mehran, and Ilam, and reposition their defense lines from heights to plains in Ilam Province.
On 9 August 1983, approximately 180,000 Iranian troops launched Operation Dawn 3 against the central front near Mehran. Despite high motivation, Iranian forces were poorly trained and equipped, and Iraqi defenders — supported by withering firepower from entrenched positions — inflicted severe casualties on the advancing troops.
The operation ended as Iran's worst defeat among the Dawn series. Iraqi forces counterattacked from their trenches, crossed into Iranian territory, and captured Mehran for a second time, nullifying any Iranian gains and exposing critical weaknesses in Iranian offensive capabilities.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent