Report 19870924A
Date
September 24, 1987
Administration
Ronald Reagan (Second Term)Location
Persian GulfWas 4(a)(1) Triggered? (Hostilities/Imminent Hostilities)
Yes, described in/inferred from report
Was 4(a)(2) Triggered? (Combat- Equipped Introduction)
No, as described in/inferred from report
Was 4(a)(3) Triggered? (Substantial Enlargement)
No, as described in/inferred from report
Joint/Coalition Mission
No
Purpose/Mission
Respond to threatDetails: Respond to threat from "Iranian landing craft... engaging in nighttime minelaying near U.S. forces in international waters of the Persian Gulf. This hostile action posed a direct threat to the safety of U.S. warships and other U.S.-flag vessels."
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: "These limited defensive actions have been taken... pursuant to my constitutional authority with respect to the conduct of foreign relations and as Commander-in-Chief."
Claimed International Legal Basis
Self-DefenseDetails: "These actions taken by U.S. forces were conducted in the exercise of our right of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter."
Estimated Scope/Duration
Scope/duration specified
Details: Activity occurred Sept. 22, 1987
Type of Enemy or Mission
Nation-stateDetails: Iran
Military Activity
Air operations Use of naval forces/vesselsDetails: "[T]wo U.S. helicopters operating off the USS JARRETT engaged the Iranian vessel, which subsequently resumed its minelaying activities. Thereupon, the helicopters re-engaged... disabling it with rocket and machine gun fire"
US Casualties Reported
No
Non-US Casualties Reported
Yes
Details: "Three [Iranian navy] crewmen were found dead on the vessel"; 26 "survivors were recovered from the water and from lifeboats and taken to U.S. naval ships for examination and medical treatment;" "Two members of the crew of the IRAN AJR are believed missing"
