History Daily: The Downing of Iran Air Flight 655

Episode Overview

In the July 3, 2025 episode of History Daily titled "The Downing of Iran Air Flight 655," host Lindsey Graham delves into one of the most tragic and controversial incidents in modern naval history. This detailed exploration unpacks the events leading up to the downing of a civilian airliner by a U.S. Navy cruiser, the ensuing investigation, and the lasting repercussions on international relations between the United States and Iran.

Setting the Stage: The USS Stark Incident ([00:00]–[03:50])

The episode opens on May 17, 1987, aboard the USS Stark, an American frigate patrolling the Persian Gulf amidst the Iran-Iraq War. Petty Officer Timothy Gable's harrowing survival story sets a poignant tone:

"Timothy throws himself into the open sea." ([02:45])

Gable survives an Iraqi missile attack that resulted from a tragic misidentification, killing 37 crew members. This incident prompts the U.S. to revise its rules of engagement in the Gulf, granting commanders greater authority to act against perceived threats. These new protocols, however, lay the groundwork for a far more devastating encounter the following year.

The Day of the Downing: July 3, 1988 ([04:42]–[10:17])

Moving to July 3, 1988, the focus shifts to the USS Vincennes, a U.S. Navy cruiser equipped with the sophisticated Aegis battle management system. Captain William Rogers, aware of heightened tensions and armed with advanced radar technology, is navigating the complexities of distinguishing friend from foe in a volatile environment.

Key moments include:

• Receiving Distress Signals: The Vincennes detects a Pakistani merchant vessel being harassed by Iranian gunboats, prompting Captain Rogers to dispatch a helicopter for reconnaissance.

• Escalation to Combat Readiness: Upon receiving reports of Iranian aggression, Rogers escalates the situation, activating battle stations and preparing for potential conflict.

• Radar Confusion and Human Error: The Vincennes' radar registers an unidentified aircraft whose signals alternate between civilian and military frequencies. Despite the lack of concrete evidence regarding the plane's intent, the pressure to act mounts.

"The Vincennes crew cannot identify the plane's type or size." ([08:15])

• The Fateful Decision: Ultimately, trusting their interpretation of the radar data and under immense pressure, Rogers orders the launch of missiles, tragically striking Iran Air Flight 655, a civilian airliner en route to Dubai with 290 people on board.

Immediate Aftermath and Government Response ([10:56]–[19:21])

In the wake of the downing, the U.S. government swiftly formulates its official stance. President Ronald Reagan, informed of the tragedy, publicly defends the Navy's actions as a justified act of self-defense:

"The Vincennes took proper defensive action and followed standing orders and widely publicized procedures." ([15:30])

Conversely, Iran vehemently denies any notion of misidentification, insisting that such an advanced vessel could not mistake a civilian flight for a fighter jet. This stark difference in narratives exacerbates international tensions.

Investigations and Unveiling the Truth:

• Rear Admiral William Fogarty's Investigation: Appointed to lead a formal inquiry, Fogarty's report identifies several human errors, including a miscommunication regarding flight schedules and a flawed radar system that failed to accurately distinguish between military and civilian aircraft.

  "Captain William Rogers acted prudently given the information available." ([16:45])

• Journalist Roger Charles' Revelations: Contrasting Fogarty's findings, investigative journalist Roger Charles uncovers discrepancies in the U.S. government's reports, notably the omission of the USS Vincennes' location within Iranian territorial waters during the incident. His discovery suggests a deliberate cover-up, undermining the official narrative of a tragic mistake made under combat pressure.

"The Vincennes was inside Iranian territorial waters." ([19:00])

Charles' findings cast a shadow over the official investigation, highlighting potential recklessness and a lack of accountability within the U.S. Navy's actions.

Long-term Impact and Remembrance ([19:21]–[22:30])

The downing of Iran Air Flight 655 remains a deeply painful and unresolved chapter in U.S.-Iran relations. Annual remembrance ceremonies, like the one attended by Najmet Arshad, underscore the enduring grief and demand for accountability:

"For those like Najmeh, who gather here in the Persian Gulf every year, that explanation rings hollow." ([20:15])

Despite a monetary settlement in 1996, the U.S. has never formally apologized, leaving lingering resentment and mistrust. The episode concludes by reflecting on the human cost of the tragedy and its lasting significance in shaping international diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

Lindsey Graham masterfully weaves a narrative that not only recounts the sequence of events leading to the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 but also critically examines the layers of human error, technological limitations, and political maneuvering that contributed to the disaster. Through interviews, investigative journalism insights, and poignant personal stories, the episode offers a comprehensive understanding of a pivotal moment that continues to resonate in historical and political discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Vincennes crew cannot identify the plane's type or size." — Lindsey Graham ([08:15])

• "The Vincennes took proper defensive action and followed standing orders and widely publicized procedures." — President Ronald Reagan ([15:30])

• "Captain William Rogers acted prudently given the information available." — Rear Admiral William Fogarty ([16:45])

• "The Vincennes was inside Iranian territorial waters." — Roger Charles ([19:00])

• "For those like Najmeh, who gather here in the Persian Gulf every year, that explanation rings hollow." — Lindsey Graham ([20:15])

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Airship and Noiser, featuring executive production by William Simpson and Pascal Hughes, written and researched by Alexandra Curry Buckner, with audio editing by Mohammed Shazid and editing by Scott Reeves. Music was composed by Thrum.

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Stay tuned for the next episode of History Daily, exploring the whimsical origins of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" set against the backdrop of July 4, 1862.

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