The Battle of Iridonia was the first battle of the Hutt War between the Galactic Republic and the Hutt Empire. Following the conclusion of the Alsakan Crisis in 12,999 BBY, the Republic adopted a policy of expansion into the Mid Rim of the galaxy in order to gain support for any potential future conflicts. This expansionist policy proved to be a source of tension with the Hutt Empire of the Outer Rim Territories, as the Hutts feared that the Republic was planning to expand into the Outer Rim Territories and, with it, Hutt space. This led to more than a decade of failed negotiations and tense diplomatic relations between the two governments.