"An attempt by any OUTSIDE FORCE [emphasis mine] to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America. . . ."

Old Guy, maybe you aren't aware of what was going on in the world at the time Carter made that statement. Iraq could hardly be considered as "outside" of the "Persian Gulf region" (you might like to take a look at a good map). Did it ever enter your mind that Carter was refering to the Soviet Union?

Don Firth