Operation Earnest Will

Overview

Operation Earnest Will was an American military protection of Kuwaiti-owned tankers from Iranian attacks in 1987 and 1988, three years into the Tanker War phase of the Iran–Iraq War. It was the largest naval convoy operation since World War II, and flowed from Resolution 598 which had been adopted three days earlier.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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)