Which two countries fought a protracted war of attrition in the Persian Gulf from 1980 to 1988?

The correct choice is Iran and Iraq because they were involved in a lengthy conflict known as the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988. This war was characterized by trench warfare and a high number of casualties on both sides, fitting the definition of a war of attrition. The conflict arose due to a variety of geopolitical, ethnic, and religious tensions, including border disputes and the desire of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to assert dominance in the region.

During this war, both countries sought to wear down each other’s military and economic capacities, leading to devastating losses without significant territorial changes. The war was particularly notable for its use of chemical weapons, extensive mobilization of forces, and the significant impact it had on both national economies and civilian populations.

The other options involve different nations or conflicts that do not match the context or the timeframe of the Iran-Iraq War. For example, Kuwait and Iraq were involved in the Gulf War later in 1990, while Saudi Arabia and Iran have had their own complex relationship but did not engage in a similar prolonged war during that specific period. Afghanistan and Pakistan have had conflicts, but these do not relate to the events between 1980 and 1988 in the Persian Gulf region