F-14 crew fires at Iranian jet.

A US Navy/Grumman F-14A providing protection in the Persian Gulf for a Navy patrol aircraft fired two air-to-air missiles at an Iranian fighter approaching the patrol on Aug. 8. Neither missile scored a hit. US rules of engagement defining hostile intent give ship & aircraft commanders authorization to take whatever action they deem necessary if a belligerent aircraft or ship is in a position to deliver a lethal attack. That authority follows the Stark attack.