In the second half of the 20th century, the fate of Abadan became closely tied to the political upheavals of the region. The oil industry continued to play a key role in the country's economy, but the city itself gradually lost its former importance. The most dramatic blow was dealt by the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988. Abadan found itself in a combat zone, subjected to bombings and a prolonged siege. Most of the population was evacuated, and the oil refinery and urban infrastructure were heavily damaged.