HL Deb 25 November 1987 vol 490 c724WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in their opinion the United States attacks on two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf on 19th October were lawful; and whether there was any difference in law between the two attacks.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

Based on the evidence available, it is our view that the action taken by the United States on 19th October was entirely justifiable in exercise of their right of self-defence in the face of the imminent threat of future attacks.