U.S.-Iran clash raises fears

Press, 20 April 1988, Page 1

U.S.-Iran clash raises fears

NZPA-Reuter Washington A limited United States retaliatbryiraid exploded yesterday into unprecedented naval combat between American and Iranian forces in the Gulf and raised new fears that the United States could be drawn into: more dangerous combat. United States officials said a day-long exchange of fire in the southern Gulf left six Iranian vessels either sunk or damaged. The only possible United States casualties were two crewmen in a Cobra attack helicopter reported overdue.

More than six hours after the helicopter was reported missing, a Defence Department spokesman said it had not been found.

President Reagan warned Iran against trying to take on American forces in the Gulf again. But American analysts feared Iran could well ignore such warnings and draw the United States into more dangerous and extensive combat.

“We can pretend we are not being drawn into this war, but we are,” said Mr Tom Longstreth; a defence specialist with

the Federation of American; Scientists, l-j ! : I The White: House and Pentagon blamed Iran for shooting at United States ships: and planes after American warthips ‘ ati tacked two Iranian j oil' platforms in retaliation for a mine explosion that ! holed a United States frigate in the Gulf last week. One Iranian missile patrol boat was sunk, two Iranian frigates were badly damaged and three small Iranian speedboats were damaged or jsunk by American forces. . I ■ l.| The Defence Department said two Iranian F-4 attack jets were also fired at with missiles by the United States cruiser Wainwright, but apparently were not shot down. | , i But what distinguished yesterday's fighting.' from earlier inch I dents, besides size and scope; was that the| Iranians this time I defied United States warnings to i stand clear and offered resistance with naval gunfire and even a briet aircraft sortie — raising the level of hostilities. Picture, page 10