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URLhttps://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655
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Meta TitleIran Air flight 655 | Background, Events, Investigation, & Facts | Britannica
Meta DescriptionIran Air flight 655 was a flight of an Iranian airliner that was shot down by the USS Vincennes on July 3, 1988, over the Strait of Hormuz, killing all 290 people on board. The passenger plane, which was in Iranian airspace, had been incorrectly identified as a fighter jet.
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Top Questions What was Iran Air Flight 655? When and where did the Iran Air Flight 655 disaster happen? What caused the crash of Iran Air Flight 655? Who was involved in the incident besides the airline? How did the incident affect relations between the United States and Iran? Iran Air flight 655 , flight of an Iranian airliner that was shot down by the missile cruiser USS Vincennes on July 3, 1988, over the Strait of Hormuz , killing all 290 people on board. The passenger plane, which was in Iranian airspace, had been incorrectly identified as a fighter jet. • U.S.-Iran Relations: A timeline of betrayal, rhetoric, and bloodshed. Background: U.S. engagement in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) In July 1988 Iran and Iraq were in the midst of a war that included attacks on each other’s oil tankers in the Persian Gulf . The United States was among several countries that had warships in the area to safeguard the transport of oil. Various incidents, notably an attack on the USS Stark involving Iraq missiles in May 1987, had resulted in a revision to the U.S. rules of engagement , allowing U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf to undertake more protective measures. On July 3, 1988, the USS Vincennes , under the command of Capt. William C. Rogers III, was involved in several skirmishes with Iranian vessels. According to various reports, Rogers, who had a reputation for aggressiveness, ignored orders to change course and instead continued to pursue the enemy gunboats. Britannica Quiz Disasters of Historic Proportion The downing of the airliner Against this background, the Iranian airliner, an Airbus A300, departed from Bandar Abbas , Iran, at approximately 10:47 am , headed to Dubai , United Arab Emirates . Crewmen aboard the Vincennes immediately began tracking Iran Air flight 655, which had taken off from an airport used by both military and commercial aircraft. For the next several minutes, there was confusion aboard the U.S cruiser over the identity of the aircraft, which was eventually determined to be a much smaller F-14 fighter jet. After several warning calls went unheeded, the Vincennes fired two surface-to-air missiles at 10:54 am , destroying the plane and killing all those on board. Immediately after the event, U.S. officials reported that the Iranian airliner had been rapidly descending and was headed toward the Vincennes . In addition, it was stated that Iran Air flight 655 was not within its normal route. However, a U.S. Navy report on July 28, 1988—released to the public in redacted form on August 19—refuted these claims. It concluded that the Iranian aircraft was actually ascending “within the established air route,” and it was traveling at a much slower speed than reported by the Vincennes . Furthermore, the airliner’s failure to communicate with the Vincennes was dismissed; in contact with two air control towers, the Iranian pilot was likely not checking the international air-distress channel. In the end, U.S. officials concluded that it was “a tragic and regrettable accident.” In explaining how the state-of-the-art cruiser had misidentified Iran Air flight 655, authorities cited “stress…and unconscious distortion of data.” However, U.S. officials also claimed that Iranian aggression played a key role in the incident. In 1990 the U.S. Navy notably awarded Rogers the Legion of Merit for his “outstanding service” during operations in the Persian Gulf. Some, however, accused the U.S. military of a cover-up. It was noted that investigators failed to interview others near the Vincennes —notably the commander of the USS Sides , some of whose personnel had identified the aircraft as a commercial plane—as well as the surface warfare commander who had ordered Rogers to change course several hours before the incident. In addition, the report’s statement that the Vincennes was in international waters was later acknowledged as incorrect; the cruiser was in Iranian waters. Quick Facts Date: July 3, 1988 Reaction in Iran In Iran it was widely believed that the U.S. attack had been deliberate, and Iranian authorities worried that it indicated the United States was planning to join forces with Iraq. That assumption was thought to have played a role in Iran’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Iraq in August 1988. In May 1989 Iran filed a lawsuit against the United States at the International Court of Justice . As the case dragged on, a settlement was reached in 1996. The United States, which “expressed deep regret” for shooting down Iran Air flight 655, agreed to pay $61.8 million to the victims’ families, and Iran dropped its suit. The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners. SUBSCRIBE
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[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) Login https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm\_source=premium\&utm\_medium=nav-login-box\&utm\_campaign=evergreen [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue) [Ask the Chatbot](https://www.britannica.com/chatbot) [Games & Quizzes](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/browse) [History & Society](https://www.britannica.com/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https://www.britannica.com/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https://www.britannica.com/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https://www.britannica.com/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https://www.britannica.com/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https://www.britannica.com/procon) [Money](https://www.britannica.com/money) [Videos](https://www.britannica.com/videos) [Iran Air flight 655](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655) - [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655) - [Background: U.S. engagement in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88)](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655#ref473685) - [The downing of the airliner](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655#ref473686) - [Reaction in Iran](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655#ref473687) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Iran-Air-flight-655) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655/images-videos) [![Funeral for victims of Iran Air flight 655](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/285481-004-F2978A3B/Funeral-services-for-Iran-Air-655-victims-July-1988.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/285481-050-7C46B907/Funeral-services-for-Iran-Air-655-victims-July-1988.jpg) [![Ali Khamenei after the downing of Iran Air flight 655](https://cdn.britannica.com/82/285482-004-D98C92EF/Iran-President-Ali-Khamenei-addresses-crowd-after-Iran-Air-Flight-655-shot-down-by-US-Navy.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/82/285482-050-B1F4C587/Iran-President-Ali-Khamenei-addresses-crowd-after-Iran-Air-Flight-655-shot-down-by-US-Navy.jpg) Quizzes [![Warm water fuels Hurricane Katrina. This image depicts a 3-day average of actual dea surface temperatures for the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, from August 25-27, 2005.](https://cdn.britannica.com/49/93649-131-FB06761E/Satellite-image-sea-surface-temperatures-display-Hurricane-Aug-27-2005.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/disasters-of-historic-proportion) [Disasters of Historic Proportion](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/disasters-of-historic-proportion) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [World History](https://www.britannica.com/browse/World-History) [Accidents & Disasters](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Accidents-Disasters) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Funeral for victims of Iran Air flight 655](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/285481-050-7C46B907/Funeral-services-for-Iran-Air-655-victims-July-1988.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/285481-050-7C46B907/Funeral-services-for-Iran-Air-655-victims-July-1988.jpg) [Funeral for victims of Iran Air flight 655](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/285481-050-7C46B907/Funeral-services-for-Iran-Air-655-victims-July-1988.jpg) Thousands mourned during the funeral service for the victims of Iran Air flight 655, which was shot down by the USS *Vincennes* on July 3, 1988, at the end of the Iran-Iraq War. Tehran, July 7, 1988. (more) # Iran Air flight 655 aviation disaster, over the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf \[1988\] Homework Help Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 9, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions - What was Iran Air Flight 655? - When and where did the Iran Air Flight 655 disaster happen? - What caused the crash of Iran Air Flight 655? - Who was involved in the incident besides the airline? - How did the incident affect relations between the United States and Iran? Show more Show less **Iran Air flight 655**, flight of an Iranian airliner that was shot down by the missile cruiser USS *Vincennes* on July 3, 1988, over the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz), killing all 290 people on board. The passenger plane, which was in Iranian airspace, had been incorrectly identified as a fighter jet. • [**U.S.-Iran Relations:** A timeline of betrayal, rhetoric, and bloodshed.](https://www.britannica.com/topic/US-Iran-Relations-A-Timeline) ## Background: U.S. engagement in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) In July 1988 [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) and [Iraq](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq) were in the midst of a [war](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Iraq-War) that included attacks on each other’s oil tankers in the [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf). The [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) was among several countries that had warships in the area to [safeguard](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/safeguard) the transport of oil. Various incidents, notably an attack on the USS *Stark* involving Iraq missiles in May 1987, had resulted in a revision to the U.S. [rules of engagement](https://www.britannica.com/topic/rules-of-engagement-military-directives), allowing U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf to undertake more protective measures. On July 3, 1988, the USS *Vincennes*, under the command of Capt. William C. Rogers III, was involved in several skirmishes with Iranian vessels. According to various reports, Rogers, who had a reputation for aggressiveness, ignored orders to change course and instead continued to pursue the enemy gunboats. [![Warm water fuels Hurricane Katrina. This image depicts a 3-day average of actual dea surface temperatures for the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, from August 25-27, 2005.](https://cdn.britannica.com/49/93649-131-FB06761E/Satellite-image-sea-surface-temperatures-display-Hurricane-Aug-27-2005.jpg) Britannica Quiz Disasters of Historic Proportion](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/disasters-of-historic-proportion) ## The downing of the airliner Against this background, the Iranian airliner, an Airbus A300, departed from [Bandar Abbas](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bandar-Abbas), Iran, at approximately 10:47 am, headed to [Dubai](https://www.britannica.com/place/Dubai-emirate-United-Arab-Emirates), [United Arab Emirates](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Arab-Emirates). Crewmen aboard the *Vincennes* immediately began tracking Iran Air flight 655, which had taken off from an airport used by both military and commercial aircraft. For the next several minutes, there was confusion aboard the U.S cruiser over the identity of the aircraft, which was eventually determined to be a much smaller [F-14](https://www.britannica.com/technology/F-14) fighter jet. After several warning calls went unheeded, the *Vincennes* fired two surface-to-air missiles at 10:54 am, destroying the plane and killing all those on board. Immediately after the event, U.S. officials reported that the Iranian airliner had been rapidly descending and was headed toward the *Vincennes*. In addition, it was stated that Iran Air flight 655 was not within its normal route. However, a U.S. Navy report on July 28, 1988—released to the public in [redacted](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redacted) form on August 19—refuted these claims. It concluded that the Iranian aircraft was actually ascending “within the established air route,” and it was traveling at a much slower speed than reported by the *Vincennes*. Furthermore, the airliner’s failure to communicate with the *Vincennes* was dismissed; in contact with two air control towers, the Iranian pilot was likely not checking the international air-distress channel. In the end, U.S. officials concluded that it was “a tragic and regrettable accident.” In explaining how the state-of-the-art cruiser had misidentified Iran Air flight 655, authorities cited “stress…and unconscious distortion of data.” However, U.S. officials also claimed that Iranian aggression played a key role in the incident. In 1990 the U.S. Navy notably awarded Rogers the [Legion of Merit](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Legion-of-Merit) for his “outstanding service” during operations in the Persian Gulf. Some, however, accused the U.S. military of a cover-up. It was noted that investigators failed to interview others near the *Vincennes*—notably the commander of the USS *Sides*, some of whose personnel had identified the aircraft as a commercial plane—as well as the surface warfare commander who had ordered Rogers to change course several hours before the incident. In addition, the report’s statement that the *Vincennes* was in international waters was later acknowledged as incorrect; the cruiser was in Iranian waters. Quick Facts Date: July 3, 1988 *(Show more)* Location: [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf) *(Show more)* [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Iran-Air-flight-655) ## Reaction in Iran [![Ali Khamenei after the downing of Iran Air flight 655](https://cdn.britannica.com/82/285482-050-B1F4C587/Iran-President-Ali-Khamenei-addresses-crowd-after-Iran-Air-Flight-655-shot-down-by-US-Navy.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/82/285482-050-B1F4C587/Iran-President-Ali-Khamenei-addresses-crowd-after-Iran-Air-Flight-655-shot-down-by-US-Navy.jpg) [Ali Khamenei after the downing of Iran Air flight 655](https://cdn.britannica.com/82/285482-050-B1F4C587/Iran-President-Ali-Khamenei-addresses-crowd-after-Iran-Air-Flight-655-shot-down-by-US-Navy.jpg)Iranian flag driven through the U.S. flag and presidential seal as Ali Khamenei, then Iran's president, condemns the USS *Vincennes* downed Iran Air flight 655 on July 3, 1988. Photograph taken on July 7, 1988. (more) In Iran it was widely believed that the U.S. attack had been deliberate, and Iranian authorities worried that it indicated the United States was planning to join forces with Iraq. That assumption was thought to have played a role in Iran’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Iraq in August 1988. In May 1989 Iran filed a lawsuit against the United States at the [International Court of Justice](https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Court-of-Justice). As the case dragged on, a settlement was reached in 1996. The United States, which “expressed deep regret” for shooting down Iran Air flight 655, agreed to pay \$61.8 million to the victims’ families, and Iran dropped its suit. Explore Britannica Premium\! The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=redesign-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)This article was most recently revised and updated by [Adam Zeidan](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Adam-Zeidan/12409087). ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI *chevron\_right* Iran Air flight 655 *close* [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) - [Introduction & Top Questions](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) - [Geography and shipping](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz#ref425861) - [Incidents in the oil chokepoint](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz#ref425862) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz/additional-info) [Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Strait-of-Hormuz) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz/images-videos) [![Strait of Hormuz](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/286736-004-10DED88D/strait-of-hormuz-persian-gulf-oman-iran-uae.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/286736-050-76529665/strait-of-hormuz-persian-gulf-oman-iran-uae.jpg) [![Strait of Hormuz](https://cdn.britannica.com/22/187322-004-D3F402EF/Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/22/187322-050-BC55D9EE/Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg) [![How much oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz?](https://cdn.britannica.com/83/285983-049-E93CD199/how-much-oil-passes-through-the-strait-of-hormuz.jpg)](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655) [![Oman: Musandam Peninsula](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/189700-004-AFD83B3A/Musandam-Peninsula-Oman-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/189700-050-F943E71E/Musandam-Peninsula-Oman-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg) Quizzes [![water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/157502-131-7C5D3A67/water-glass-background.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/water-and-its-varying-forms) [Water and its Varying Forms](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/water-and-its-varying-forms) [![Tomb of Mohammed Bin Ali, Salalah, Oman.](https://cdn.britannica.com/30/102130-131-E2C56EF9/Tomb-Mohammed-Bin-Ali-Salalah-Oman.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/a-view-of-the-middle-east) [A View of the Middle East](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/a-view-of-the-middle-east) Related Questions - [Who owns the Strait of Hormuz?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Who-owns-the-Strait-of-Hormuz) - [How many ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz?](https://www.britannica.com/question/How-many-ships-pass-through-the-Strait-of-Hormuz) - [Who controls the Strait of Hormuz?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Who-controls-the-Strait-of-Hormuz) - [Has the Strait of Hormuz ever been closed?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Has-the-Strait-of-Hormuz-ever-been-closed) - [What is the Strait of Hormuz?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-the-Strait-of-Hormuz) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Geography-Travel) [Physical Geography of Water](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Physical-Geography-Water) CITE Share Feedback External Websites # Strait of Hormuz strait, Persian Gulf Homework Help Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 2, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything [![Strait of Hormuz](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/286736-050-76529665/strait-of-hormuz-persian-gulf-oman-iran-uae.jpg?w=1000)](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/286736-050-76529665/strait-of-hormuz-persian-gulf-oman-iran-uae.jpg) [Strait of Hormuz](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/286736-050-76529665/strait-of-hormuz-persian-gulf-oman-iran-uae.jpg) (more) Top Questions ### Who owns the Strait of Hormuz? The shipping lanes in the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) are located primarily in [Omani](https://www.britannica.com/place/Oman) territorial waters, and partially in [Iranian](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) territorial waters, but they are governed by international maritime law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Iran’s powerful naval force has the ability to exert a significant amount of control over the strait, as it has done during the [2026 Iran war](https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-war). International forces have intervened in the past to guarantee safe passage, but the strait’s proximity to the Iranian coastline, and especially Iran’s naval bases and other military assets, gives Iran an advantage in dominating the strait. ### How many ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz? More than 20 percent of global [oil](https://www.britannica.com/science/crude-oil) and [liquefied natural gas](https://www.britannica.com/science/liquefied-natural-gas) exports pass through the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz). Daily traffic ranges typically from more than 80 ships to more than 130, amounting to more than 30,000 tankers per year. Most of them are cargo ships, carrying commodities essential to global supply chains. Many of the ships passing through the strait are oil tankers, which each typically carry more than 1 million barrels of oil. ### Who controls the Strait of Hormuz? The shipping lanes in the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) are located primarily in [Omani](https://www.britannica.com/place/Oman) territorial waters, and partially in [Iranian](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) territorial waters, but they are governed by international maritime law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Iran’s powerful naval force has the ability to exert a significant amount of control over the strait, as it has done during the [2026 Iran war](https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-war). International forces have intervened in the past to guarantee safe passage, but the strait’s proximity to the Iranian coastline, and especially Iran’s naval bases and other military assets, gives Iran an advantage in dominating the strait. ### Has the Strait of Hormuz ever been closed? The [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) has never been truly closed, but shipping has been disrupted in the past and during the [2026 Iran war](https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-war). The most well-known instance before 2026 was the so-called [Tanker War](https://www.britannica.com/event/Tanker-War) in the 1980s, in which [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) and [Iraq](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq) attacked oil tankers during the [Iran-Iraq War](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Iraq-War). International naval forces, particularly those of the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) and western European states, intervened to guarantee ships safe passage. Because of the width of the strait and the depth of its waters throughout, it has been assumed that it would be difficult for a country to unilaterally choke off the strait for any prolonged period of time. ### What is the Strait of Hormuz? The [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) is the only sea channel linking the oil-rich [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf) with the [Gulf of Oman](https://www.britannica.com/place/Gulf-of-Oman) and the [Arabian Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Arabian-Sea). It is a vital route for global [oil](https://www.britannica.com/science/crude-oil) and [liquefied natural gas](https://www.britannica.com/science/liquefied-natural-gas) exports and is one of the most vital oil chokepoints for the global economy along with the [Strait of Malacca](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Malacca). ### Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for global oil exports? More than 20 percent of global [oil](https://www.britannica.com/science/crude-oil) and [liquefied natural gas](https://www.britannica.com/science/liquefied-natural-gas) exports pass through the strait, which is a primary route for [petroleum](https://www.britannica.com/science/petroleum) exported from [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran), [Iraq](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq), [Kuwait](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kuwait), [Qatar](https://www.britannica.com/place/Qatar), and the [United Arab Emirates](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Arab-Emirates). ### How does the geography of the Strait of Hormuz affect its role in global shipping? The [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz) is 35 to 60 miles wide, with shipping lanes mostly in Omani territorial waters and governed by international maritime law. [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) controls the strait north of the shipping lanes and [Oman](https://www.britannica.com/place/Oman) the south. The depth of the strait (200 to 330 feet \[60 to 100 meters\]) throughout much of its width makes it difficult for any country, including Iran, to disrupt shipping for a prolonged period of time. ### What was the Tanker War? During the [Iran-Iraq War](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Iraq-War), Iran and Iraq attacked each other’s oil tankers as well as the oil tankers of other [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf) states, leading to U.S. and European involvement to ensure safe passage through the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz). ### What happened in the Strait of Hormuz in June 2025? Following [U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities](https://www.britannica.com/event/12-Day-War#ref425707) on June 22, 2025, Iran’s parliament authorized closing the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz)—a move that would require approval from the Supreme National Security Council to be enacted but raised fear nonetheless of oil price hikes and causing some tankers to avoid the strait. ## News • [The Latest: US, Iranian delegations meet with mediators in Pakistan ahead of crucial talks](https://www.britannica.com/news/271900/00bf6d9a8f19565dbcd437bc6bf09ea0) • Apr. 11, 2026, 8:51 AM ET (AP) ...(Show more) [US and Iranian officials meet with mediators in Pakistan as talks kick off despite disagreements](https://www.britannica.com/news/271900/2be904aee3f804892336730279e054b9) • Apr. 11, 2026, 8:50 AM ET (AP) [The Latest: Iranian delegation arrives in Pakistan for talks with the US](https://www.britannica.com/news/271900/86493db40bdf08ff15224c39a97b7854) • Apr. 11, 2026, 12:14 AM ET (AP) [Unsettled and uncertain: What the Iran war means around the world as US and Iran enter talks](https://www.britannica.com/news/271900/b0dcca332a3e631a5fa98c9fe0434071) • Apr. 11, 2026, 12:05 AM ET (AP) [Vance warns Iran not to 'play' the US as he departs for negotiations aimed at ending the war](https://www.britannica.com/news/271900/b82625fd24adb2336a5a9615b6953629) • Apr. 10, 2026, 6:00 PM ET (AP) Show less **Strait of Hormuz**, only sea channel linking the [oil](https://www.britannica.com/science/crude-oil)\-rich [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf) (west) with the [Gulf of Oman](https://www.britannica.com/place/Gulf-of-Oman) and the [Arabian Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Arabian-Sea) (southeast). In March 2026, amid the [2026 Iran war](https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-war), threats and attacks by [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) on ships passing through the strait led to a more than 95 percent drop in traffic, leading to the biggest disruption ever in the global oil supply and a surge in the price of other critical [commodities](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/commodities). [![Strait of Hormuz](https://cdn.britannica.com/22/187322-050-BC55D9EE/Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/22/187322-050-BC55D9EE/Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg) [Strait of Hormuz](https://cdn.britannica.com/22/187322-050-BC55D9EE/Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg) (more) More than 20 percent of global oil and [liquefied natural gas](https://www.britannica.com/science/liquefied-petroleum-gas) exports passes through the strait, which serves as the primary route for [petroleum](https://www.britannica.com/science/petroleum) exported from [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran), [Iraq](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq), [Kuwait](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kuwait), [Qatar](https://www.britannica.com/place/Qatar), and the [United Arab Emirates](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Arab-Emirates) (although the United Arab Emirates has the capability to divert most of its exports through its [Fujairah](https://www.britannica.com/place/Fujairah) emirate on the [Gulf of Oman](https://www.britannica.com/place/Gulf-of-Oman)). The exports are geographically focused—about four-fifths go to importing countries in [Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Asia), especially [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China), [India](https://www.britannica.com/place/India), [Japan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan), and [South Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Korea)—but the volume of the supply has profound impact on pricing worldwide due to the low [elasticity](https://www.britannica.com/money/elasticity-economics) of prices for [petroleum](https://www.britannica.com/science/petroleum) products. Along with the [Strait of Malacca](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Malacca) that connects the [Indian Ocean](https://www.britannica.com/place/Indian-Ocean) to the [Pacific Ocean](https://www.britannica.com/place/Pacific-Ocean), the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most [vital](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/vital) oil chokepoints in the global economy. ## Geography and shipping [![Oman: Musandam Peninsula](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/189700-050-F943E71E/Musandam-Peninsula-Oman-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/189700-050-F943E71E/Musandam-Peninsula-Oman-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg) [Oman: Musandam Peninsula](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/189700-050-F943E71E/Musandam-Peninsula-Oman-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg)The Musandam Peninsula of Oman at the Strait of Hormuz. (more) The strait is 35 to 60 miles (55 to 95 km) wide and separates [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) (north) from [Oman](https://www.britannica.com/place/Oman)’s [Musandam](https://www.britannica.com/place/Musandam-Peninsula) exclave on the [Arabian Peninsula](https://www.britannica.com/place/Arabia-peninsula-Asia) (south). [Bandar Abbas](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bandar-Abbas), an Iranian port of both economic and military importance, lies on its northern coastline, near which are the Iranian islands of [Qeshm](https://www.britannica.com/place/Qeshm-Island) (Qishm), [Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hormuz), Hengām (Henjām), and Lārak. The [United Arab Emirates](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Arab-Emirates) is also located near the strait, about 40 to 50 miles (65 to 80 km) to the strait’s narrowest point on either side of the Musandam Peninsula. Although based some distance from the strait, the [U.S. Navy](https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-States-Navy)’s Fifth Fleet has been based in [Bahrain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bahrain) since 1995 and plays a role in guaranteeing safe passage in the strait. [![Tomb of Mohammed Bin Ali, Salalah, Oman.](https://cdn.britannica.com/30/102130-131-E2C56EF9/Tomb-Mohammed-Bin-Ali-Salalah-Oman.jpg) Britannica Quiz A View of the Middle East](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/a-view-of-the-middle-east) [Oil tankers](https://www.britannica.com/technology/oil-tanker) pass through the strait in inbound and outbound shipping lanes that are 2 miles (3 km) in width and separated by a two-mile [buffer](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/buffer) zone. The shipping lanes lie mostly in Omani [territorial waters](https://www.britannica.com/topic/territorial-waters), and somewhat in Iranian territorial waters, but they are governed by international [maritime law](https://www.britannica.com/topic/maritime-law) and according to the [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Law-of-the-Sea) (UNCLOS). Iran controls the strait north of the shipping lanes and Oman controls the strait to the south. Although Iran has the capacity to disrupt shipping, most of the strait is deep enough (200 to 330 feet \[60 to 100 meters\]) to handle oil tankers and it has long been assumed that Iran does not have the ability to block the entire width of the strait for a prolonged period of time. Nonetheless, during the [2026 Iran war](https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-war), the threat of [confrontation](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/confrontation) alone proved enough to divert more than 90 percent of commercial traffic and demonstrated Iran’s asymmetric leverage over the strait’s traffic. ## Incidents in the oil chokepoint In 1984, during the [Iran-Iraq War](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Iraq-War), the feuding [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf) countries began attacking each other’s oil-tanker shipping and Iran also attacked tankers heading to and from [Kuwait](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kuwait) and other Gulf states. The so-called [Tanker War](https://www.britannica.com/event/Tanker-War), which included strikes on more than 100 oil tankers, prompted the involvement of the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) and several western European nations to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers in and out of the Gulf. In the 21st century Iranian and U.S. naval forces have engaged in several standoffs in the strait. After U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran during the [12-Day War](https://www.britannica.com/event/12-Day-War) in June 2025, the Iranian parliament, dominated by hard-liners since elections in 2020, authorized Iran’s armed forces to close the strait. Although an attempt to close the strait did not take place—it required the approval of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the conflict ended only two days later—the parliament’s move triggered fears of oil price hikes globally and the heightening [tensions](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/tensions) led some tankers to reverse course to avoid the strait. Also called: Strait of Ormuz *(Show more)* [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Strait-of-Hormuz) Explore Britannica Premium\! The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=redesign-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) Shortly after the outbreak of the [2026 Iran war](https://www.britannica.com/event/2026-Iran-war), Iran made it a key part of its retaliatory strategy to choke off traffic through the strait. Traffic plummeted merely by the outbreak of conflict, but it decreased to a trickle as Iranian forces began attacking vessels and, according to U.S. officials, laying [submarine (naval) mines](https://www.britannica.com/technology/mine-weapon#ref4896). Some of the few tankers that successfully passed through the strait originated from Iran. Within days the price of oil on the global market surged, as did the price of [natural gas](https://www.britannica.com/science/natural-gas), [fertilizers](https://www.britannica.com/topic/fertilizer), critical metals like [aluminum](https://www.britannica.com/science/aluminum), and other commodities whose supply chains rely on access to the [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf). Parts of Asia east of the strait experienced immediate fuel shortages, leading to extraordinary measures to conserve energy. [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)This article was most recently revised and updated by [Michael Ray](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Michael-Ray/6392). ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI *chevron\_right* Strait of Hormuz *close* [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. *print* Print Please select which sections you would like to print: *verified*Cite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "Iran Air flight 655". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 9 Mar. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655. Accessed 11 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Air-flight-655> External Websites - [University of California - eScholarship - Iran Air Flight 655 and the USS Vincennes](https://escholarship.org/content/qt0vx8r81r/qt0vx8r81r.pdf) - [The Washington Post - The forgotten story of Iran Air Flight 655](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/10/16/the-forgotten-story-of-iran-air-flight-655/) - [ADST - USS Vincennes Shoots Down Iran Air Flight 655](https://adst.org/2014/07/uss-vincennes-shoots-down-iran-air-flight-655/) - [CNN - In 1988, a US Navy warship shot down an Iranian passenger plane in the heat of battle](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/10/middleeast/iran-air-flight-655-us-military-intl-hnk/) - [Naval History and Heritage Command - H-020-1: The Fog of War: USS Vincennes Tragedy�3 July 1988](https://www.history.navy.mil/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-020/h-020-1-uss-vincennes-tragedy--.html) - [NPR - The Legacy Of Iran Air Flight 655, Accidentally Shot Down By U.S. Forces](https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/796344789/the-legacy-of-iran-air-flight-655-accidentally-shot-down-by-u-s-forces) - [PBS NewsHour - Plane crash may be grim echo of U.S. downing of Iran flight in 1988](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/plane-crash-may-be-grim-echo-of-u-s-downing-of-iran-flight-in-1988) - [Iran Chamber Society - Shooting Down Iran Air Flight 655](https://www.iranchamber.com/history/articles/shootingdown_iranair_flight655.php) Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. *print* Print Please select which sections you would like to print: *verified*Cite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "Strait of Hormuz". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 2 Apr. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz. Accessed 11 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz> External Websites - [Encyclopaedia Iranica - Hormuz i. Pre-Islamic Period](http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/hormuz-i)
Readable Markdown
Top Questions - What was Iran Air Flight 655? - When and where did the Iran Air Flight 655 disaster happen? - What caused the crash of Iran Air Flight 655? - Who was involved in the incident besides the airline? - How did the incident affect relations between the United States and Iran? **Iran Air flight 655**, flight of an Iranian airliner that was shot down by the missile cruiser USS *Vincennes* on July 3, 1988, over the [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Hormuz), killing all 290 people on board. The passenger plane, which was in Iranian airspace, had been incorrectly identified as a fighter jet. • [**U.S.-Iran Relations:** A timeline of betrayal, rhetoric, and bloodshed.](https://www.britannica.com/topic/US-Iran-Relations-A-Timeline) ## Background: U.S. engagement in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) In July 1988 [Iran](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran) and [Iraq](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq) were in the midst of a [war](https://www.britannica.com/event/Iran-Iraq-War) that included attacks on each other’s oil tankers in the [Persian Gulf](https://www.britannica.com/place/Persian-Gulf). The [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) was among several countries that had warships in the area to [safeguard](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/safeguard) the transport of oil. Various incidents, notably an attack on the USS *Stark* involving Iraq missiles in May 1987, had resulted in a revision to the U.S. [rules of engagement](https://www.britannica.com/topic/rules-of-engagement-military-directives), allowing U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf to undertake more protective measures. On July 3, 1988, the USS *Vincennes*, under the command of Capt. William C. Rogers III, was involved in several skirmishes with Iranian vessels. According to various reports, Rogers, who had a reputation for aggressiveness, ignored orders to change course and instead continued to pursue the enemy gunboats. [![Warm water fuels Hurricane Katrina. This image depicts a 3-day average of actual dea surface temperatures for the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, from August 25-27, 2005.](https://cdn.britannica.com/49/93649-131-FB06761E/Satellite-image-sea-surface-temperatures-display-Hurricane-Aug-27-2005.jpg) Britannica Quiz Disasters of Historic Proportion](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/disasters-of-historic-proportion) ## The downing of the airliner Against this background, the Iranian airliner, an Airbus A300, departed from [Bandar Abbas](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bandar-Abbas), Iran, at approximately 10:47 am, headed to [Dubai](https://www.britannica.com/place/Dubai-emirate-United-Arab-Emirates), [United Arab Emirates](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Arab-Emirates). Crewmen aboard the *Vincennes* immediately began tracking Iran Air flight 655, which had taken off from an airport used by both military and commercial aircraft. For the next several minutes, there was confusion aboard the U.S cruiser over the identity of the aircraft, which was eventually determined to be a much smaller [F-14](https://www.britannica.com/technology/F-14) fighter jet. After several warning calls went unheeded, the *Vincennes* fired two surface-to-air missiles at 10:54 am, destroying the plane and killing all those on board. Immediately after the event, U.S. officials reported that the Iranian airliner had been rapidly descending and was headed toward the *Vincennes*. In addition, it was stated that Iran Air flight 655 was not within its normal route. However, a U.S. Navy report on July 28, 1988—released to the public in [redacted](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redacted) form on August 19—refuted these claims. It concluded that the Iranian aircraft was actually ascending “within the established air route,” and it was traveling at a much slower speed than reported by the *Vincennes*. Furthermore, the airliner’s failure to communicate with the *Vincennes* was dismissed; in contact with two air control towers, the Iranian pilot was likely not checking the international air-distress channel. In the end, U.S. officials concluded that it was “a tragic and regrettable accident.” In explaining how the state-of-the-art cruiser had misidentified Iran Air flight 655, authorities cited “stress…and unconscious distortion of data.” However, U.S. officials also claimed that Iranian aggression played a key role in the incident. In 1990 the U.S. Navy notably awarded Rogers the [Legion of Merit](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Legion-of-Merit) for his “outstanding service” during operations in the Persian Gulf. Some, however, accused the U.S. military of a cover-up. It was noted that investigators failed to interview others near the *Vincennes*—notably the commander of the USS *Sides*, some of whose personnel had identified the aircraft as a commercial plane—as well as the surface warfare commander who had ordered Rogers to change course several hours before the incident. In addition, the report’s statement that the *Vincennes* was in international waters was later acknowledged as incorrect; the cruiser was in Iranian waters. Quick Facts Date: July 3, 1988 ## Reaction in Iran In Iran it was widely believed that the U.S. attack had been deliberate, and Iranian authorities worried that it indicated the United States was planning to join forces with Iraq. That assumption was thought to have played a role in Iran’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Iraq in August 1988. In May 1989 Iran filed a lawsuit against the United States at the [International Court of Justice](https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Court-of-Justice). As the case dragged on, a settlement was reached in 1996. The United States, which “expressed deep regret” for shooting down Iran Air flight 655, agreed to pay \$61.8 million to the victims’ families, and Iran dropped its suit. The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=redesign-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)
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