Statement by Assistant to the President for Press Relations Fitzwater on the Investigation of the Accidental Attack on an Iranian Jetliner

August 19, 1988

The President has been briefed on the results of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the downing of Iran Air flight 655 and concurs in the actions taken by Secretary [of Defense] Carlucci. The President has been provided a copy of the report of the investigation.

This tragic accident was ultimately the result of the conflict between Iran and Iraq, which we now hope is on the verge of settlement.