Operation Earnest Will

Significance

Operation Earnest Will marked a direct U.S. military commitment to the security of Kuwaiti oil shipments during the Tanker War phase of the Iran–Iraq War. Launched in 1987, it constituted the largest American naval convoy operation since World War II. The operation followed closely from UN Security Council Resolution 598, adopted three days earlier, which called for an end to hostilities between Iran and Iraq. By escorting Kuwaiti-flagged tankers against Iranian attacks, the United States inserted itself as an active party in the maritime conflict, signaling that Gulf oil transit would be defended by American naval power. This posture applied direct pressure on Iran at a moment when international diplomacy was working to bring the war to a close.

Commanders (1)