Report 19871020A
Date
October 20, 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: In response to Iranian missile striking U.S.-flag tanker in Kuwaiti territorial waters, U.S. Navy vessels destroyed "Rashadat platform" ("believed [to be] the source of fire" of Oct. 8 attack on U.S. helicopter) in "international waters"
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: "These restrained and measured actions by U.S. forces were taken at my specific direction ... 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 restrained and measured actions by U.S. forces were taken... in accordance with our inherent right of self-defense, as recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter..."
Estimated Scope/Duration
Scope/duration specified
Details: Activity occurred Oct. 19, 1987
Type of Enemy or Mission
Nation-stateDetails: Iran
Military Activity
Use of naval forces/vesselsDetails: U.S. Navy ships fired on and destroyed "Rashadat Platform, an armed platform equipped with radar and communications devices" that is used "to stage helicopter and small boat attacks and to support mine-laying operations ... in the Persian Gulf"; "Additionally, U.S. forces briefly boarded another platform in the area"
US Casualties Reported
No
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
Details: Attacked platform "after warning Iranian naval personnel and allowing them to depart"
