High Stakes for the U.S. in the Persian Gulf

Publication Date: July 1987

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James A. Phillips

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Middle East

Type: Report

Coverage: Iran Iraq

Abstract:

Reflagging should be part of a broader diplomatic effort to safeguard Western interests in the Gulf. Washington must work with other states to end the Iran-Iraq war. If a negotiated solution proves unacceptable to Iran, then Washington should join an international effort to choke off Iran's arms supplies and tilt toward Iraq. Iran must be convinced that extremist policies ultimately will hurt its interests, not help them. Until Iran disavows terrorism and ends violent efforts to export its revolution, the U.S. must safeguard Western interests vigilantly in the Persian Gulf against Iranian threats and Soviet threats alike.