McFarlane’s delegation arrives secretly in Tehran

France sent officials to Iran amid efforts to improve strained relations and obtain help over hostages in Lebanon. Its support for Iraq remained part of the diplomatic background.

Tariq Aziz criticized the Non-Aligned Movement for failing to advance an arbitration committee, accusing it of yielding to Iranian objections.

Iran reported alleged chemical shelling on 20 April and aerial attacks on 21 April around al-Faw and Umm Qasr. The 24 April letter is a diplomatic record of Iran’s claims, rather than the attack event...

Iraqi warplanes attacked Tehran and other Iranian cities. Residents described short warning times, while renewed sirens showed the strain of protecting the capital.

Baroness Young said Britain would urge Iran and Iraq to implement Resolution 582 and cooperate with the UN secretary-general’s mediation.

McFarlane’s party departed Tehran after inconclusive negotiations. Iranian interlocutors had not arranged the immediate release of all American hostages promised by intermediary Ghorbanifar.

MEES reported the tanker Energy Mobility attacked south of Kharg while in ballast. A further attack during repairs the next day illustrates the continuing danger to oil transport.

Iranian forces launched an offensive around Mehran, a town that had changed hands during the war. The operation reflected the continued strategic importance of border towns and Iran’s effort to answer...

Iranian forces recaptured Mehran after the June offensive. The victory had symbolic and strategic value, but did not end the wider war or reverse the attritional pressures on Iran’s economy and...

American hostage Lawrence Jenco was released in Lebanon. His release was followed by negotiations over sending Iran HAWK spare parts withheld after the unsuccessful Tehran mission.