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Report 19870924A

Date

September 24, 1987

Administration

Ronald Reagan (Second Term)

Location

Persian Gulf

Was 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

Article 51 Report to UN

Yes

Details: S/19149

Purpose/Mission

Respond to threat

Details: 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-Defense

Details: "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-state

Details: Iran

Military Activity

Air operations Use of naval forces/vessels

Details: "[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"