30 years ago today, an American naval warship, USS Vincennes, patrolling in the Persian Gulf shot down an Iranian passenger jet, IR655, after apparently mistaking it for an F-14 fighter, killing all 290 passengers and crew aboard, including 66 children.
In a Tuesday statement issued on remembering the tragic event, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the passage of time has not healed the wounds of this “horrendous tragedy” and “savage operation”, adding that the crime will forever stain the reputation of the US, which has no fear of blatantly violating international norms and regulations.
The fact that the US not only has voiced the smallest regret over the crime but also awarded the commander of the American warship with the Legion of Merit for the killing of hundreds of innocent civilians stands to prove the country’s lack of fear of violating the international law, Ghasemi added.
“The US behavior toward Iran and other nations across the world reveals fully well that the country has always been a pioneer in carrying out inhumane acts to achieve its own sinister goals and interests, and that human rights to them is nothing but an instrument in service of their unlawful interests and excessive demands,” said Ghasemi.
The spokesman further stressed that the Iranian nation will never forget the US heinous crime.
MS/4337233
Your Comment