A joint resolution to support a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war and a negotiated solution to the conflict.
PL 100-96 (H.J.Res.216), enacted 08/18/1987

PUBLIC LAW 100-96—AUG. 18, 1987 
101 STAT. 711 
Public Law 100-96 
100th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To support a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war and a negotiated solution to the conflict. 
Whereas the conflict between Iran and Iraq has resulted in more 
than 400,000 fatalities on both sides, including tens of thousands 
of adolescents since its beginning in September 1980; 
Whereas both sides have resorted to periodic attacks on the civilian 
population of the other country, including Iranian missile attacks 
on Baghdad and Iraqi Air Force bombing raids on Iranian popu-
lation centers; 
Whereas more than 75,000 prisoners of war are being held on both 
sides; 
Whereas Iraq has resorted to the use of chemical weapons, in 
violation of its obligations under international law not to use such 
weapons; 
Whereas attacks on neutral shipping in the Persian Gulf threaten to 
limit the access of the United States and its allies to oil supplies 
from the region; 
Whereas Iranian troops continue to occupy Iraqi territory; 
Whereas the possibility of a decisive Iranian breakthrough cannot 
be precluded as long as the war continues; 
Whereas such a breakthrough would be destabilizing to a number of 
friendly countries in the region, which would be increasingly 
vulnerable as a result of an Iranian victory both to direct Iranian 
attacks and to Iranian sponsored subversion and terrorist 
activities; 
Whereas a continuation of the conflict will inevitably lead to tens of 
thousands of additional casualties, including large numbers of 
civilians; and 
Whereas the Iraqi Government has called for an immediate 
ceasefire and a negotiated solution to the conflict, including a 
withdrawal to the internationally recognized border: Now, there-
fore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. CONSEQUENCES OF CONTINUATION OF IRAN-IRAQ WAR. 
The Congress finds that continuation of the Iran-Iraq war— 
(1) would produce unacceptable levels of death and destruc-
tion which would be incompatible with the humanitarian con-
cerns and values of the American people; and 
(2) could result in an Iranian breakthrough which would 
threaten the stability of the entire region and would not be in 
the strategic interests of the United States. 
SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR A CEASEFIRE AND A NEGOTIATED SOLUTION TO 
THE CONFLICT. 
Accordingly, the policy of the United States Government shall be 
to support— 
Aug. 18, 1987 
[H.J. Res. 216] 
101 STAT. 712 
PUBLIC LAW 100-96—AUG. 18, 1987 
(1) a ceasefire and a negotiated solution to the Iran-Iraq 
conflict, including a withdrawal to the internationally rec(^-
nized border, and 
(2) the establishment of an international tribunal to inves-
tigate the origins of the conflict. 
SEC. 3. INTERNATIONAL MEASURES IF NEGOTIATIONS AND CEASEFIRE 
REJECTED. 
It is the sense of the Congress that if either party to the Iran-Iraq 
war rejects peace negotiations and an internationally sanctioned 
ceasefire, including a withdrawal to the internationally recognized 
border, the United States should support internationally approved 
political and economic measures against that country, and maintain 
existing limitations on trade. 
Approved August 18, 1987. 
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LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 216: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 133 (1987): 
July 13, considered and passed House. 
Aug. 7, considered and passed Senate.