Operation Praying Mantis: US and Iran Exchange Naval Blows in Persian Gulf

The US launches its largest naval combat operation since World War II against Iran, sinking or disabling much of Iran's operational naval forces in retaliation for a mine attack.

During the Iran-Iraq War, Iran began mining Persian Gulf shipping lanes and attacking oil tankers belonging to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia — Iraq's financial backers. The US launched Operation Earnest Will to escort Kuwaiti tankers. In April 1988, the US frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine, injuring 10 sailors and punching a 15-foot hole in the hull. President Reagan authorized Operation Praying Mantis in retaliation. On April 18, US forces attacked Iranian oil platforms and naval vessels, sinking or severely damaging much of Iran's operating naval fleet. It was the largest surface naval engagement fought by the United States since World War II. The operation demonstrated Washington's willingness to use direct military force against Iranian assets.