30 years on, Iran won't forget US downing passenger jet

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The passage of time has not healed wounds 30 years after a US Navy warship downed an Iranian passenger jet killing 290 people, its foreign ministry stated on Tuesday.

“Years after this appalling tragedy and brutal operation, its pain is still burning and it remains a stain on the reputation of the US which is not afraid of committing flagrant violations of international norms, rules and customs,” stated Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Bahram Qassemi.

On July 3, 1988 the USS Vincennes while patrolling in the Persian Gulf shot down Iran Air Flight 655, killing 290 people including 66 children who were bound from Tehran to Dubai.

The United States has never formally apologized for what it calls a "mistake."

“Undoubtedly, this heinous crime is recorded in the memory of the great and brave people of this land and will never be forgotten,” Qassemi said. 

The incident occurred in the final months of the Iran-Iraq war when Washington was supporting the Baathist regime of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

“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 Qassemi.

The US State Department gave an Iran diplomacy update during a briefing with reporters on Monday. No mention of the tragedy was made. 

After abandoning the Iran nuclear deal in May, Washington has promised to exert "a campaign of maximum economic, diplomatic pressure" against Tehran.