Word: reflagging
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...with which to wage the conflict led directly to the Iran-contra affair, the secret attempt by the Reagan Administration to ransom U.S. hostages in Lebanon with arms for Iran. In 1987, largely to prevent the Soviet Union from assuming a greater role in the region, Washington agreed to reflag Kuwait oil vessels with the Stars and Stripes and escort them through gulf waters under U.S. naval protection. That decision sparked some Democratic demands for Reagan to seek congressional approval under the War Powers Act, especially after an Iraqi jet accidentally hit the U.S. frigate Stark with an Exocet missile...
...such adventures." The U.S. could help form such a consensus by including its allies, particularly Western Europe, in the formation of a coherent American policy. Once that was achieved, the U.S. could further bind its allies to its side by avoiding unilateral actions, such as its solitary decision to reflag Kuwait's tankers...
Angered by Washington's decision to reflag and escort Kuwaiti tankers through the gulf, Iran announced with great fanfare that it would stage four days of war games in the Strait of Hormuz, the entryway to the gulf. In case there was any doubt about the intent of the maneuvers, they were code-named "Martyrdom." One of the reflagged ships, the fully loaded Gas Prince, slipped quietly out of harm's way and toward its destination in Japan before the exercises began. But the supertanker Bridgeton, damaged last month by a mine that may have been planted by the Iranians...
...which has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 1980, expressed support for France's firm stance. The Reagan Administration was engaged in its own war of words with Tehran. Interior Minister Mohtashami vowed retaliation if the U.S. proceeded this week with its plans to reflag Kuwaiti tankers and use American warships to protect the vessels in the Persian Gulf. Said Mohtashami: "Islamic Revolutionary Guards will turn the Persian Gulf into a graveyard for the Americans." According to some reports, Iran has mobilized seaborne suicide squads, who plan to ram U.S. ships with vessels that have been turned into floating...
...Citing the gas lines facing motorists in the late- 1970s, he vowed that "our national economy will never again be held captive." But the Administration has other motives. By assisting Iraq's ally, the U.S. hopes to counter the growing Soviet presence in the gulf. The Administration offered to reflag the vessels only after the Soviet Union aided the Kuwaitis by leasing them three tankers last March. While the Administration insists it is still neutral in the 6 1/2-year war between Iran and Iraq, Assistant Defense Secretary Richard Armitage said, "We can't stand to see Iraq defeated. That specter...