Operation Nimble Archer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Operation Nimble Archer |
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| Part of Iran–Iraq War, Operation Earnest Will | |
An Iranian oil platform set ablaze after shelling by American destroyers
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| Location | Persian Gulf |
| Commanded by |  United States |
| Target | Two Iranian oil platforms (Resalat and Reshadat) |
| Date | 19 October 1987 |
| Executed by | United States Navy: 6 warships, 3 aircraft |
| Outcome | American victory
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| Casualties | None |
Operation Nimble Archer was a military attack by the United States Navy on 19 October 1987. This operation targeted two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf. It happened during the Iran–Iraq War, a big conflict in the Middle East.
The attack was a direct response to an Iranian missile strike. Three days earlier, Iran had hit an oil tanker named Sea Isle City. This tanker was flying the flag of Kuwait and was anchored near Kuwait. The U.S. Navy was already in the area as part of Operation Earnest Will. This mission aimed to protect Kuwaiti ships during the war.
Years later, Iran took the United States to the International Court of Justice. They wanted the U.S. to pay for the damage. The Court decided that the U.S. attacks were an unlawful use of force. However, it also said the attacks did not break a 1955 friendship treaty.
Why the Attack Happened
On 16 October 1987, the oil tanker Sea Isle City was in Kuwaiti waters. It was waiting to be loaded with oil. U.S. warships had escorted it there, but it was not under their direct protection at that moment.
An Iranian Silkworm missile was launched from the Al-Faw Peninsula. This missile hit the ship's control room and crew areas. The ship's captain, who was an American citizen, was blinded. Also, 18 other crew members were hurt. The damage to the tanker was so bad it took four months to fix.
In response, U.S. officials decided to strike back. They chose to attack two oil platforms in the Rashadat oil field. These platforms were not producing oil at the time. They had been damaged by Iraq a year earlier. However, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was using them for military purposes.
How the Attack Unfolded
About 20 minutes before the U.S. ships began firing, the USS Thach radioed the platforms. They told the Iranian crews to leave the platforms for their safety.
At 2 PM, four U.S. destroyers started shooting. These ships were the USS Hoel, USS Leftwich, USS Kidd, and USS John Young. One of the platforms was boarded by U.S. special forces. They found important documents and messages. Then, they planted explosives to destroy that platform.
Air support was provided by several cruisers. These included the USS Long Beach, USS Gridley (CG-21), and USS William H. Standley. Two F-14 Tomcat fighter jets and an E-2 Hawkeye aircraft from the USS Ranger also provided cover. The powerful shells from the destroyers did not cause much blast damage to the platforms. However, they eventually set them on fire.
U.S. officials stated that Iran was using these platforms as command centers. They had radars to track ships and communication equipment. This gear helped relay messages between the mainland and Iranian forces. U.S. Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger said Iran used the platforms to "launch small boat attacks" on ships not involved in the war.
U.S. President Ronald Reagan called the operation a "proportionate response." This meant it was a fair and fitting reaction to the missile strike. When asked if this meant war, Reagan replied, "No, we're not going to have a war with Iran: they're not that stupid."
Court Case After the Attack
On 2 November 1992, Iran filed a lawsuit against the United States. This started a long legal battle at the International Court of Justice. On 6 November 2003, the Court made its final decision.
The Court ruled that the U.S. attacks on the oil platforms were not justified as self-defense. This applied to both Operation Nimble Archer in 1987 and another operation in 1988. However, the Court also said that the U.S. actions did not break a specific treaty. This treaty was about friendship and trade between the U.S. and Iran. Because of this, Iran's request for payment for damages was not approved.
