Iranian airbus tragedy

US Department of State Bulletin, Sept, 1988

PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT, JULY 3, 1988

I am saddened to report that it appears that in a proper defensive action by the U.S.S. Vincennes this morning in the Persian Gulf an Iranian airliner was shot down over the Strait of Hormuz. This is a terrible human tragedy. Our sympathy and condolences go out to the passengers, crew, and their families. The Defense Department will conduct a full investigation.

We deeply regret any loss of life. The course of the Iranian civilian airliner was such that it was headed directly for the U.S.S. Vincennes, which was at the time engaged with five Iranian Boghammar boats that had attacked our forces. When the aircraft failed to heed repeated warnings, the Vincennes followed standing orders and widely publicized procedures, firing to protect itself against possible attack.

The only U.S. interest in the Persian Gulf is peace, and this tragedy reinforces the need to achieve that goal with all possible speed.

LETTER TO THE CONGRESS, JULY 4,1988

On July 3, 1988, the USS VINCENNES and USS ELMER MONTGOMERY were operating in international waters of the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. (On July 2, the MONTGOMERY had responded to a distress signal from a Danish tanker that was under attack by Iranian small boats and had fired a warning shot, which caused the breaking off of the attack.) Having indications that approximately a dozen Iranian small boats were congregating to attack merchant shipping, the VINCENNES sent a Mark Ill LAMPS Helicopter on investigative patrol in international airspace to assess the situation. At about 1010 local Gulf time (2:10 a. m. EDT), when the helicopter had approached to within only four nautical miles, it was fired on by Iranian small boats (the VINCENNES was ten nautical miles from the scene at this time), The LAMPS helicopter was not damaged and returned immediately to the VINCENNES.

As the VINCENNES and MONTGOMERY were approaching the group of Iranian small boats at approximately 1042 local time, at least four of the small boats turned toward and began closing in on the American warships. At this time, both American ships opened fire on the small craft, sinking two and damaging a third. Regrettably, in the course of the U.S. response to the Iranian attack, an Iranian civilian airliner was shot down by the VINCENNES, which was firing in self-defense at what it believed to be a hostile Iranian military aircraft. We deeply regret the tragic loss of life that occurred. The Defense Department will conduct a full investigation.

The actions of U.S. forces in response to being attacked by Iranian small boats were taken in accordance with our inherent right of self-defense, as recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and pursuant to my constitutional authority with respect to the conduct of foreign relations and as Commander in Chief. There has been no further hostile action by Iranian forces, and, although U.S. forces will remain prepared to take additional defensive action to protect our units and military personnel, we regard this incident as closed. U.S. forces suffered no casualties or damage.

Since March 1987, I and members of my Administration have provided to Congress letters, reports, briefings, and testimony in connection with developments in the Persian Gulf and the activities of U . S. Armed Forces in the region. In accordance with my desire that Congress continue to be fully informed in this matter, I am providing this report consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I look forward to cooperating with Congress in pursuit of our mutual, overriding aim of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region.

Sincerely,

RONALD REAGAN

U.S. LETTER TO

THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL, JULY 6,1988

In accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, I wish on behalf of my government to report that U.S. forces have exercised their inherent right of self-defense under international law by taking defensive action in response to an attack by the Islamic Republic of Iran against U.S. forces lawfully operating in international waters of the Persian Gulf

On July 3, 1988, the USS VINCENNES, which was operating in international waters in the Persian Gulf, sent a helicopter on an investigative patrol in international airspace in response to indications that approximately a dozen Iranian small boats were congregating to attack neutral merchant shipping.

At approximately 2:10 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on July 3, 1988, a group of Iranian patrol craft fired on the U.S. helicopter. The helicopter, without returning fire, returned immediately to the VINCENNES, which was 10 nautical miles from the scene at the time of the incident.

At approximately 2:42 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), as the VINCENNES and another U.S. naval vessel were approaching the group of Iranian small boats, at least four of the small boats turned toward and began closing in on the U.S. warships. At that time, both U.S. ships opened fire on the small boats, sinking two and damaging a third.