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
Constitutional Caveat
Yes
Details: Reagan: “While being mindful of the historical differences between the Legislative and the Executive Branches of government, and the positions taken by all my predecessors in office, with respect to the interpretation and constitutionality of certain of the provisions of the War Powers Resolution, I nonetheless am providing this report in a spirit of mutual cooperation toward a common goal.”
Classified Annex Reported
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”
Reporting as it Relates to Termination Clock
Fewer than 60 days sustained activity
