The Story of the Direct Confrontation Between Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and U.S. Marines in the Persian Gulf

According to the political desk of Saed News, citing Tasnim, Brigadier General Abbas Gholamshahi, Commander of the First Naval District of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, commemorated Arbaeen and the National Day of the IRGC Navy by recalling one of the most enduring national epics of the Sacred Defense era.

He stated that the direct naval confrontation of IRGC Navy fighters on October 8, 1987 (16 Mehr 1366) stands among the lasting national epics of the Iran-Iraq War.

Gholamshahi explained that during the final eighteen months of the imposed war, Iran faced a new and unprecedented situation compared to earlier stages of the Sacred Defense: the overt presence and direct support of global powers—particularly the United States—for Saddam Hussein’s Ba'athist regime.

With the arrival of American forces in the Persian Gulf, naval engagements intensified. The destruction of vessels and threats to economic resources and interests in the Gulf prompted Iranian naval fighters to directly confront U.S. forces at sea.

The commander emphasized that throughout the Sacred Defense period, Iranian fighters created many lasting epics. Among the most memorable was the October 16, 1987 epic, when the Zolfaghar naval group, commanded by Martyr Nader Mahdavi and his comrades, faced American forces in a confrontation that demonstrated exceptional courage. The operation became a powerful symbol of national pride and resistance against global arrogance.

Gholamshahi also highlighted the significant role of Hormozgan Province in national epics, noting that seven brave Iranian fighters, including Martyr Mahdavi, were martyred in the operation. Hormozgan Province, he said, contributed greatly to this proud event, offering Martyr Aabsalan as another devoted son of Islam to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He concluded that the epic was so honorable and impactful that its effects are still visible today. According to Gholamshahi, the United States continues to remember the fear and shock it experienced during its confrontation with Iranian naval fighters, and remains unsettled by the boldness and courage displayed on October 16, 1987.