Editor’s Note: Yesterday, we published President Ronald Reagan’s speech in reaction to the downing of Korean Airlines Flight 007 by a Soviet warplane. That wasn’t the only inadvertent and tragic attack on a civilian aircraft that President Reagan had to deal with. On July 3, 1988 – during the last summer of Reagan’s presidency – the USS Vincennes was in the Persian Gulf doing battle with small armed Iranian boats when it launched two missiles at a civilian airliner – Iran Air 655 – that it mistook for an incoming F-14. Here is President Reagan’s letter about the incident to Speaker of the House of Representatives Jim Wright and Senator John C. Stennis, President pro tempore of the Senate.
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
On July 3, 1988, the USS VINCENNES and USS ELMER MONTGOMERY were operating in international waters of the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. (On July 2, the MONTGOMERY had responded to a distress signal from a Danish tanker that was under attack by Iranian small boats and had fired a warning shot, which caused the breaking off of the attack.) Having indications that approximately a dozen Iranian small boats were congregating to attack merchant shipping, the VINCENNES sent a Mark III LAMPS Helicopter on investigative patrol in international airspace to assess the situation. At about 1010 local Gulf time (2:10 a.m. EDT), when the helicopter had approached to within only four nautical miles, it was fired on by Iranian small boats (the VINCENNES was ten nautical miles from the scene at this time). The LAMPS helicopter was not damaged and returned immediately to the VINCENNES.
As the VINCENNES and MONTGOMERY were approaching the group of Iranian small boats at approximately 1042 local time, at least four of the small boats turned toward and began closing in on the American warships. At this time, both American ships opened fire on the small craft, sinking two and damaging a third. Regrettably, in the course of the U.S. response to the Iranian attack, an Iranian civilian airliner was shot down by the VINCENNES, which was firing in self defense at what it believed to be a hostile Iranian military aircraft. We deeply regret the tragic loss of life that occurred. The Defense Department will conduct a full investigation.
The actions of U.S. forces in response to being attacked by Iranian small boats were taken in accordance with our inherent right of self-defense, as recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and pursuant to my constitutional authority with respect to the conduct of foreign relations and as Commander in Chief. There has been no further hostile action by Iranian forces, and, although U.S. forces will remain prepared to take additional defensive action to protect our units and military personnel, we regard this incident as closed. U.S. forces suffered no casualties or damage.
Since March 1987, I and members of my Administration have provided to Congress letters, reports, briefings, and testimony in connection with developments in the Persian Gulf and the activities of U.S. Armed Forces in the region. In accordance with my desire that Congress continue to be fully informed in this matter, I am providing this report consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I look forward to cooperating with Congress .in pursuit of our mutual, overriding aim of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region.
Sincerely,
RONALD REAGAN
Source: The American Presidency Project
Image Credit: White House Photographic Office
Procivic 
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Dan 
Given the passenger-by-passenger coverage of the MH17 disaster, it’s amazing how the U.S. could so easily explain away the murder of 290 civilians on Iranair 655 by a state-of-the-art naval vessel which mistook an Airbus for an F-14. The White House hacks pulled must have pulled out all the plugs to preparing Reagan’s statement.
Problem is, he was lying. The Vincennes had illegally crossed into Iranian waters and had initiated hostilities. A joint Nightline/Newsweek investigation showed that the Navy had been lying about the location of the Vincennes at the time as well as the claim that it was acting in defense of a (nonexistent) tanker.
Still after 20+ years, the US is still lying about why they shoot down the Iranian jetliner. How can two advanced war ships, with all kinds of electronics, mistake a passenger airliner with an F14.
Everyone lies. US lies the most.
The shooting of the Iranian jet liner, as well as Malaysian airline were shot down knowing they are shooting down a civilian airline.
I wonder if some one had put spy equipment on the plan. Very much like the Korean airliner which was shot down by the Russian over a no fly military complex.
What escapes Readers and average people is The right of the Iranians.
Airliner was taking a routine flight in the Iranian backyard (Persian Gulf) across the water way to another neighboring country. The name of the Gulf is Persian (Iranian) and not American Gulf. Navy commander was stupid enough not to have compiled the civilian air route from Iran to its neighbors. So what is the Iranians’ right? Nothing? US right trumps all other rights?
Everyone forgets that since the 1950’s Americans have been hostile to the Iranian people. First they changed the Democratic government of Iran and brought in the Shah. After the tyrant was overthrown they unleashed Saddam and his chemical weapons on the Iranian people, when that war was over, the US government openly chanted regime change in Iran.
Why don’t we take a step back and recognize Iran as an equal partner and stop this world war II mentality. This can be a win win situation for both parties
Conveniently dismissed as if par for the course.
For the US, the downing of KAL was kept on the front page because it was a tool that we could use against Soviet Union. When we did it to IRA, it was conveniently dismissed as if par for the course. In fact, Reagan’s reference to the downing appeared as more of a an “after thought” and disingenuous.
The same is happening again. These events are tragic and the sad thing is that our governments politicize them when it suites there needs. It’s a shame.
Here is an excellent analysis, especially all the lies regarding IR 655.
http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/CEN-01-220714.html
Killing innocent people for politic purpose.
Iran Air 655 was same as recent crash
Sad:
Far too few Americans are aware of far too much of our history.
Sadder still:
I fear even fewer care to know.
Saddest of all:
Far too many who know are proud, believe our actions are excusable, justified, “our right”.
Is it too late for our once great nation??