Confrontation in the Persian Gulf : Congress Leaders Close Ranks, Back Retaliation Move

Despite fears that the U.S.-Iranian conflict could escalate, congressional leaders closed ranks Monday in support of President Reagan’s decision to retaliate against Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf.

Democrats as well as Republicans praised Reagan for carrying out what they characterized as a “measured” and “justified” response to the damage that an Iranian mine caused to a U.S. Navy frigate last week.

“Such unprovoked attacks ought not to be cost-free,” said Rep. Lee H. Hamilton (D-Ind.), chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East and an earlier critic of Reagan’s policy in the gulf.

House Speaker Jim Wright (D-Tex.) indicated that Democrats had decided to refrain from criticizing the President’s policy at a time when American servicemen are under attack. “When action is taken by the United States, it certainly behooves us to close ranks,” he added.

Briefed in Advance

Reagan succeeded in defusing much of the usual Democratic criticism of his military ventures by summoning congressional leaders to the White House on Sunday night to brief them in advance of the attack. Members of Congress have complained bitterly in the past that Reagan has committed the United States to military action without consulting them.

Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) said he hoped that the President’s demonstrated willingness to keep them informed will dissuade congressional leaders from trying to invoke the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which would require the President to withdraw U.S. forces from the gulf within 90 days unless he received the direct approval of Congress.

In response, those members who previously have advocated invoking the War Powers Resolution in the Persian Gulf were taking a wait-and-see attitude. Sen. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. (R-Conn.), who has been the most outspoken proponent of imposing the resolution, made no public comment, while Sen. Brock Adams (D-Wash.), another War Powers advocate, said he would wait to read the report that the Administration has promised to submit to Congress.

Nevertheless, congressional leaders were known to have told Reagan during their 1-hour, 20-minute meeting in the White House family quarters Sunday night that they cannot support a further escalation of hostilities in response to Iranian actions in the gulf. In addition, they were said to have warned him that the Iranians might escalate their attacks on U.S. vessels as a result of the destruction of their oil platforms.

“If it does escalate,” noted Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), “there is going to be a serious risk to American lives.”

Assurances Given

Sens. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and David L. Boren (D-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said they were told that no additional military action is being planned by the Administration, despite the Iranian clashes with U.S. aircraft and the cruiser Wainwright later in the day Monday.

“I have been assured that thus far the U.S. has taken no steps to broaden the scope of military action in the Persian Gulf,” Boren said. “Instead, we have limited ourselves to a careful and measured response to hostile actions by Iran.

“Caution should be our watchword,” he added. “We must not allow ourselves to be thrown off balance but must consider in advance each step which is taken by evaluating all of its possible consequences.”

Although U.S. units have clashed directly with Iranian forces several times since the U.S. began escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the gulf last July, the President has stoutly insisted that he is under no obligation to comply with the War Powers Resolution in this case. Among other things, the resolution requires a President to report to Congress within 48 hours after American servicemen face “imminent hostilities.”

Reagan Softens Stance

On Monday, however, Reagan took a less uncompromising stance on the issue. While still refusing to acknowledge that he is complying with the resolution, which he claims is unconstitutional, he nonetheless agreed to provide Congress with a report consistent with the resolution’s provisions. His pledge was identical to the approach taken by previous Presidents, who also have quarreled with the constitutionality of the law.

In the past, each clash between American and Iranian forces has prompted a bitter debate over U.S. policy in the gulf as well as a battle over compliance with the War Powers Resolution. But Hamilton predicted that no such debate would erupt this time, not only because Reagan chose to consult with Congress but also because Reagan’s gulf policy is more popular.

Hamilton said congressional support has increased because Reagan has clarified his policy in the gulf, U.S. naval forces have performed well there and American allies have been persuaded to help in the task of keeping gulf shipping lanes open.