U.S. and Iraq restore diplomatic relations

Reporting described Iraq’s receipt of French Mirage F1 aircraft to replace leased Super Étendards. The supply sustained the threat to Iran’s export facilities and tankers.

Iraq was reported to have frozen a U.S.-backed pipeline proposal toward Aqaba. Rival export-route plans reflected attempts to sustain Iraqi revenue during war with Iran.

Iran accused Iraq of renewed attacks on residential areas despite the limited agreement protecting civilian targets. The accusation challenged the accord’s effectiveness.

A U.S. paper stated that Western firms had helped develop Iraq’s chemical capability, sometimes knowingly. Its internal assessment reinforced concerns about the foreign supply chain behind attacks...

ICRC President Alexandre Hay appealed to governments about the safety of Iraqi prisoners held in Iran. The organization said earlier appeals had produced only temporary improvements.

European Community leaders pledged to work for an early settlement and support efforts to limit the conflict, according to the subsequent British parliamentary account.

Iran reported preliminary pipeline arrangements and a trade agreement with Turkey during Mousavi’s visit. Economic ties offered routes beyond the threatened Gulf.

Richard Luce welcomed the earlier civilian-target agreement but noted continuing attacks on merchant shipping, illustrating how a limited accord left the wider war unresolved.

Iran reported an Iraqi attack on the unfinished Bushehr nuclear plant; Iraq denied it. The disputed strike extended concern to major construction infrastructure.

Britain issued updated guidance to shipowners and seafarers about the threat from the Iran-Iraq conflict, according to a later parliamentary answer.