That statement is partly true in substance, but misleading if it says the U.S. directly sold Iraq chemical weapons. During the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988): Iraq developed and manufactured its own chemical weapons, including mustard gas and nerve agents such as tabun and sarin. The United States did not directly sell Iraq finished chemical weapons or chemical warfare agents. However, U.S. companies did export chemical and biological materials and other dual-use technology to Iraq, some of which could contribute to Iraq's weapons programs. Some exports were licensed by the U.S. government. A Senate investigation later documented U.S. exports of biological materials to Iraq. (Intelligence Resource Program) More broadly, European companies were major suppliers of chemical-weapons precursors and production equipment to Iraq. American companies were involved to a lesser degree. The Reagan administration shifted strongly toward supporting Iraq against Iran, particularly after 1983–84. The U.S. provided Iraq with intelligence and other assistance even while knowing that Iraq was using chemical weapons. In fact, the U.S. imposed chemical-weapons export controls in 1984, specifically because of concern about proliferation and chemical warfare. Those controls covered Iraq and required licenses for relevant chemicals. (GAO) Nevertheless, enforcement wasn't perfect. A GAO investigation found that 118 tons of a chemical precursor used in mustard gas were seized in 1988, while six earlier shipments totaling 635 tons had reached Iran and Iraq. (GAO)
