Gulf states issue a collective denunciation of Iran

An attack attributed to Iranian Revolutionary Guards struck the Italian freighter Jolly Rubino. The incident became a trigger for Italy’s decision to protect merchant shipping militarily.

A State Department spokesman questioned whether the Soviet Union could act as an impartial mediator between Iran and Iraq, exposing disagreement over diplomatic roles.

Libya and Iraq repaired their diplomatic rift. A country that had supported Iran now also endorsed pressure for compliance with the UN ceasefire resolution.

The UN Secretary-General arrived in Tehran seeking implementation of a ceasefire. His visit brought negotiations directly to Iran’s leadership before continuing to Iraq.

Italy’s lower house gave final approval for naval ships to protect Italian merchant traffic. The vote formalized intervention after the attack on Jolly Rubino.

Italy’s eighteenth naval group departed from Taranto and Augusta for Gulf operations. The mission added escort and mine-clearance forces to the international maritime presence.

At the General Assembly, Reagan urged Iran to state clearly whether it accepted Resolution 598 and warned that rejection should trigger enforcement measures.

Shevardnadze and Shultz discussed whether ceasefire measures and an inquiry into responsibility could proceed in parallel, addressing a central obstacle in Iranian-Iraqi diplomacy.

The U.S. Senate approved a defense-bill amendment seeking a ban on imports from Iran. Legislative pressure added to efforts to restrict Iran’s economic access during the Gulf confrontation.

Two Italian frigates entered the Gulf escorting Jolly Turchese. Italy’s naval deployment had moved from authorization and departure to actual protection of merchant traffic.