Historical Events tagged with "iran"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Operation Praying Mantis Targets Iranian Naval Forces
Operation Praying Mantis was a significant military operation conducted by the United States against Iranian naval assets. It unfolded in the Persian Gulf in response to ongoing tensions and attacks on oil tankers, including the U.S.-flagged ship, the MV Sea Isle City. Launched on 18 April 1988, the operation involved naval and air strikes aimed at Iranian installations and vessels, marking the largest naval engagement since World War II. The campaign demonstrated U.S. military capabilities, showcasing the importance of the Persian Gulf region in international trade.
Continue ReadingNorth and Poindexter Indicted for Conspiracy
Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North and Vice Admiral John Poindexter were indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This indictment stemmed from their involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, where U.S. officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua fighting the Sandinista government. The indictment was significant as it highlighted the illegal actions taken by U.S. government officials in outmaneuvering Congressional constraints on military funding.
Continue ReadingU.S. Navy Attacks Iranian Oil Platforms
The United States Navy executed Operation Nimble Archer, launching an attack on two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf. This operation aimed to target Iranian assets as a response to ongoing threats and aggression against U.S. naval forces in the region. Utilizing aircraft and naval vessels, the U.S. displayed military force to deter further Iranian action and protect maritime interests in the Gulf.
Continue ReadingSS Bridgeton Collides with IRGC Mines
The US supertanker SS Bridgeton sustained damage after colliding with underwater mines attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Persian Gulf. This incident caused a notable 43-square-meter dent in the ship's hull. The attack occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the region, resulting from ongoing conflicts between Iran and Iraq, and was part of the broader context of the Iran-Iraq War. The US was involved in protecting maritime interests in the area, leading to increased military presence.
Continue ReadingFirst Chemical Attack on Civilian Population
Iraqi warplanes attacked the Iranian town of Sardasht with chemical agents, marking the first known instance where a civilian population was specifically targeted with such weapons. The assault severely injured numerous residents, highlighting the brutal tactics employed during the Iran-Iraq War. The use of chemical warfare against civilians drew international condemnation and raised questions about warfare ethics.
Continue ReadingIraqi Mirage F1 Strikes USS Stark
An Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter jet attacked the USS Stark, a U.S. Navy warship, in the Persian Gulf. The jet fired two Exocet missiles, resulting in the deaths of 37 crew members and injuring 21 others. This incident occurred amid heightened tensions during the Iran-Iraq War and raised serious questions about U.S. military involvement and protections in the region. The USS Stark was on patrol during this time, involved in monitoring Iraq's military movements against Iran.
Continue ReadingCongressional Hearings on Iran-Contra Affair
The Congressional televised hearings on the Iran–Contra affair began in 1987, shedding light on the controversial covert operations undertaken by the Reagan administration. Key figures, including former National Security Advisor John Poindexter and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, were called to testify before the Senate Committee. This pivotal moment drew significant public attention and scrutiny, revealing how arms sales to Iran funded Contra rebels in Nicaragua, circumventing Congressional restrictions. The hearings lasted several weeks, transmitting live coverage, making it one of the most-watched events of its kind in American history.
Continue ReadingReagan Names Tower Commission Members
U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced the formation of the Tower Commission to investigate the Iran-Contra affair. Created in response to the controversy surrounding secret arms sales to Iran and the diversion of funds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua, the Commission aimed to provide clarity on U.S. policy. Led by former Senator John Tower, the Commission was composed of notable figures tasked with assessing the actions of the Reagan administration and addressing allegations of misconduct in foreign policy.
Continue ReadingMeese Reveals Contra Funding From Iran Sales
U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese publicly announced that profits from covert arms sales to Iran were illegally funneled to the Contras, anti-communist rebels fighting in Nicaragua. This announcement raised significant legal and political ramifications, implicating senior officials in a clandestine operation that bypassed congressional oversight. The revelation caught widespread media attention and highlighted the complexities of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.
Continue Reading