572 Chapter 5
MID#3017
Dispute Number: 3017
Date(s): January 3, 1980 to March 1, 1980
Participants: 365 Russia, 700 Afghanistan/630 Iran
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Seven Soviet divisions moved to within striking distance of key oil instal-
lations in Iran on its border with Afghanistan in mid-January 1980, sparking invasion
fears. The assumption was that the Soviets would move on the Baluchistan area so that
they would have a route to the Indian Ocean.
The move prompted Iran to send reinforcements to its frontier with Afghanistan on
January 19. Three days later the Iranian prime minister warned that, if the occupation
of Afghanistan continued, Iran would consider assisting the Afghan rebels against the
Soviet occupying forces. There was at least one reported border violation by Soviet
aircraft on March 1, and Soviet spies were reportedly becoming active in Iranian
political movements.
Tensions remained high through the end of March, when both sides agreed in prin-
ciple to multilateral talks on the situation in Afghanistan.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from January 19, 1980. End Date changed from
March 4, 1980. Settlement changed from None.
MID#2590
Dispute Number: 2590
Date(s): April 27, 1983
Participants: 365 Russia/630 Iran
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On April 27, 1983, the Iranian government accused Soviet helicopters of
violating Iranian airspace in pursuit of Afghan rebels and refugees crossing the border.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from April 30, 1983. End Date changed from
April 30, 1983. Fatalities changed from Missing.
MID#2588
Dispute Number: 2588
Date(s): September 2, 1986 to September 3, 1986
Participants: 630 Iran/365 Russia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Iran stopped and searched two Soviet ships in the Persian Gulf. One of
the Soviet ships was detained for approximately a day. The other was only detained
for a short time.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from September 3, 1986.