Iran reports alleged chemical attacks of 17–18 May

Iran sent a further letter concerning chemical weapons use to the United Nations. The submission followed the Secretary-General’s chemical weapons report circulated on 25 April.

The UN circulated an annex containing clinical data to the Secretary-General’s chemical weapons report S/19823. The additional documentation gave the investigation a more detailed medical record.

Iran held the second round of its 1988 parliamentary elections. The new Majlis emerged as the war entered its final months and Iran confronted renewed Iraqi military advances.

Iraqi jets struck tankers anchored at Iran’s Larak oil terminal, including the Seawise Giant. Damage to export shipping added economic pressure as the war approached its end.

Iran expressed displeasure that Resolution 612 did not identify Iraq’s responsibility for chemical weapons use. The letter articulated Tehran’s frustration with the Security Council’s response.

Iran’s third post-revolutionary Majlis held its inaugural session. Its term began before the ceasefire, linking the wartime political system with the approaching reconstruction period.

During the Moscow summit, Shultz reaffirmed support for a follow-up resolution to pressure the belligerents to end the war, showing diplomacy continuing before Iran’s acceptance.

Khomeini gave Rafsanjani authority to coordinate the armed forces and unify wartime command and resources. The decree addressed Army, IRGC and Basij coordination amid Iran’s military setbacks.

Reagan’s report to Congress described licenses for some Iranian-origin goods under preexisting contracts. Exceptions coexisted with enforcement against carpets, food products and other Iranian...

France and Iran restored diplomatic relations after almost a year of confrontation. Reopening diplomacy occurred before the Iran–Iraq ceasefire and alongside continued regional tensions.