The toll was the worst in the four-year history of the "tanker war."

Before now, it was hard to argue for an end to the tanker war; Iraq had few other ways to hold off Iran.

In short, Iraq no longer needs the tanker war to maintain its advantage in the larger conflict.

For its part, Iran is almost certainly eager to call off the tanker war.

The physical damage of the "tanker war" has been severe.

First, if the tanker war is ended, will Iran have sufficient incentive to stop its attacks on land, where it has gained the upper hand?

Meanwhile, the so-called tanker war in the Persian Gulf continues.

Despite the presence of more than 80 foreign naval vessels in the gulf, the so-called tanker war has escalated.

Iraq launched the tanker war in an effort to sever Iran's main source of revenues.

"We had expected the Iraqis to break the cease-fire in the tanker war any day now," said one official.