Amid rising scrutiny and scandal, U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced the formation of the Tower Commission, which was established to investigate the Iran-Contra affair. This controversy revolved around the clandestine sale of arms to Iran—despite an arms embargo—with the proceeds being funneled into supporting Contra rebels in Nicaragua, an action previously forbidden by Congress. The announcement took place as public disillusionment grew over the government's secretive activities and apparent disregard for legal constraints. Reagan's administration faced significant backlash, prompting the need for an independent inquiry to delineate the facts surrounding the alleged wrongdoing.

The Commission was chaired by former Republican Senator John Tower, and its members included notable figures such as former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft and former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie. The intent was to prepare a thorough investigation that would evaluate the actions of the National Security Council and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy decisions during that period. The Tower Commission commenced its work with the goal of restoring public confidence in the executive branch by addressing the allegations head-on.

In this context of political turmoil, the Commission’s findings were hoped to clarify the complexities of U.S. involvement in Central America and the administration's rationale behind its foreign policy decisions, particularly in light of Cold War tensions. The completion of the Tower Commission's report later shed light on systemic issues within the Reagan administration, ultimately leading to discussions on executive accountability and oversight in U.S. foreign affairs.