Iraqi invasion of Iran The missiles hit the Iran Air aircraft, an Airbus A , while it was flying its usual route over Iran 's territorial waters in the Persian Gulf , shortly after the flight departed its stopover location, Bandar Abbas International Airport. All people on board were killed, making it one of the deadliest airliner shootdowns of all time. The shootdown occurred during the Iran—Iraq War , which had been ongoing for nearly eight years.
Vincennes had entered Iranian territorial waters after one of its helicopters drew warning fire from Iranian speedboats operating within Iranian territorial limits. The reason for the downing has been disputed between the governments of the two countries.
According to the United States, Vincennes 's crew misidentified the aircraft as an F Tomcat , a US-made fighter jet part of the Iranian inventory, despite it transmitting civilian identification codes. They assert that Vincennes and other warships repeatedly contacted the aircraft on both civilian and military air distress frequencies , but received no response. The Iranian government maintains that the US recklessly shot down the aircraft, violating international law , after repeatedly provoking the Iranian forces.
Some analysts blamed the overly aggressive attitude of Vincennes 's captain, William C. Rogers III , while others focused on more widespread issues and miscommunications on board. The United States was criticized for the downing, especially in its initial response.
While not issuing a formal apology, American president Ronald Reagan issued a written diplomatic note to Iran, expressing deep regret. As part of the settlement, the US did not admit liability for the shootdown. By , the war between Iraq and Iran had expanded to include air attacks against oil tankers and merchant shipping of neighboring countries, some of whom were providing aid to Iraq by shipping Iraqi oil. The Stark incident culminated in the widening of the US Navy rules of engagement in the Persian Gulf, allowing warships to attack aircraft before being attacked.
