War disrupts OPEC’s meeting schedule

At a coordination meeting, Muskie warned that using the war to advance long-term U.S. military plans could provoke the Soviet Union and weaken Washington’s claimed neutrality toward Iran and Iraq.

U.S. officials agreed to sound out Saudi interest in security talks before proceeding. They separated immediate contingency discussions from a broader plan for a long-term American presence.

Dobrynin delivered a Soviet statement asking Washington to explain Saudi AWACS deployments and proposed Hormuz naval activity. Muskie defended the moves as preparations for defensive contingencies.

President Bani-Sadr visited Tabriz after bombing damaged oil installations. His public reassurance linked wartime leadership with the experience of a threatened Iranian city.

Warren Christopher said the United States would remain neutral in the war while defending its vital Gulf interests, revealing the limits of Washington’s public neutrality claim.

Iraq asked Indira Gandhi to initiate a solution to the war, citing India’s friendship with both belligerents. The request opened another potential channel of mediation.

Prince Fahd approved expert discussions with the United States on regional contingencies and support arrangements. The U.S. ambassador’s report stressed Saudi sensitivity over public exposure.

Gromyko told Ambassador Watson that U.S. naval deployments increased pressure on Iran. He denied Soviet arms deliveries to either belligerent and urged restraint, according to the U.S. meeting report.

Iranian ground forces attempted to halt Iraqi advances west of Dezful and along the Karkheh River. The operation reflects the difficult first phase of defense, when Iranian units were reorganizing...

UPI reported diplomatic sources expecting early French deliveries of Mirage fighters and other equipment to Iraq. The report described an anticipated transfer, not confirmed arrivals that day.