Martin S. Navias

An Iranian oil platform burns after being hit by the US Navy in retaliation for the mining of USS Samuel B. Roberts, 18 April 1988. National Archives and Records Administration. Public Domain.

Oil and Water: How Iran Lost the Tanker War

The Strait of Hormuz became a fraught passage in the Tanker War between Iran and Iraq. Nevertheless, the oil continued to flow.

USS Stark lists to port after being struck an Iraqi-launched Exocet missile in the Arabian Gulf, 17 May 1987. Department of Defense. Public Domain.

The First Tanker War with Iran

If tensions between the US and Iran in the Persian Gulf lead to war, it will not be the first time. In 1987 and 1988, the US intervened to protect shipping from Iranian attacks.