Formal Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Downing of Iran Air Flight 655 on 3 July 1988
Abstract
The downing of civilian Iran Air Flight 655 on 3 July was a tragic and regrettable accident and, as is so often the case in a combat environment, there were a number of contributing factors. It is important to put the events of that day in the local context. The U.S. Government committed naval forces to the convoying of American flag tankers in the spring of 1987. From the onset, the Administration emphasized that while our forces could achieve this mission, it would involve risks and uncertainties. This prediction was borne out by several incidents, e.g., the indiscriminate laying of Iranian mines, the Bridgeton explosion, the STARK tragedy, the SAMUEL B. ROBERTS striking a mine, the capture of the Iran Ajar, Iranian firing on U.S. helos, and the incidents of April 18 when Iranian ships and aircraft attempted to damage U.S. units. Throughout this period and especially in the wake of the above events, the Government of Iran issued inflammatory statements threatening retaliation against American personnel and interests. Reinforcing the high level of tension, both Baghdad and Teheran have continued to attack unarmed merchant ships, the former with aircraft and the latter with small boats, ships and aircraft. Iranian assaults have been largely concentrated in the southern gulf and on occasion have taken place in the presence of foreign warships. (kr)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA203577
Entities
Organizations
- United States Department of Defense