Reagan administration agrees to reflag Kuwaiti tankers as U.S. vessels

The Reagan administration announces it will reflag 11 Kuwaiti oil tankers as American vessels and provide U.S. Navy escorts through the Persian Gulf, after Kuwait requests protection from Iranian attacks. The reflagging plan is the largest naval convoy operation since World War II. By accepting the reflagging, the U.S. directly enters the Tanker War and commits American forces to protecting Gulf shipping against Iranian attacks. Congress is not consulted before the decision.