During Iran-Iraq war the Tanker War damaged 546 commercial vessels and killed about 430 civilian mariners. Part of the attacks were directed by Iran against Kuwaiti vessels, and on November 1, 1986, Kuwait formally petitioned foreign powers to protect its shipping. The Soviet Union agreed to charter tankers starting in 1987, and the United States offered to provide protection for tankers flying th More..e U.S. flag on March 7, 1987 (Operation Earnest Will and Operation Prime Chance).Under international law, an attack on such ships would be treated as an attack on the United States, allowing the U.S. Navy to retaliate. This support would protect neutral ships headed to Iraqi ports, effectively guaranteeing Iraq’s revenue stream for the duration of the war