Carter Doctrine

A 1980 U.S. policy declaring that any outside attempt to control the Persian Gulf would be treated as an assault on vital American interests and could be resisted by military force.

Iranian Revolution: The 1978–1979 uprising that overthrew Iran’s monarchy and established an Islamic republic. The revolution removed a major U.S. regional partner and heightened fears of instability near the Gulf.
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force: A U.S. military command created in 1980 to prepare forces for rapid deployment to the Middle East and nearby regions. It translated the doctrine’s promise of force into a deployable military structure.
Iran–Iraq War: The 1980–1988 war between Iran and Iraq, fought largely over territorial disputes and regional power. The war threatened Gulf shipping and prompted U.S. measures to protect oil tankers.
U.S. foreign policy: The principles and actions through which the United States conducts relations with other countries. The doctrine established a durable commitment within U.S. foreign policy.
Soviet–Afghan War: The 1979–1989 war following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the armed resistance it provoked. The Soviet invasion sharpened U.S. concern that Moscow might expand toward the Persian Gulf.
United States Central Command: A U.S. unified combatant command responsible for military operations across the Middle East and parts of Central and South Asia. CENTCOM succeeded the rapid deployment command and institutionalized the Gulf mission.
Operation Earnest Will: A 1987–1988 U.S. naval operation that escorted reflagged Kuwaiti tankers during the Iran–Iraq War. The escort mission showed U.S. forces protecting Gulf shipping during a regional war.
Persian Gulf: A strategically important sea between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, connected to the Gulf of Oman by the Strait of Hormuz. The doctrine made security in this region a declared U.S. interest.
Jimmy Carter: The 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. Carter announced the doctrine in his 1980 State of the Union address.
Naval presence in the Persian Gulf: The sustained deployment of naval forces to the Persian Gulf and its approaches. Naval forces help protect shipping and demonstrate the ability to act in the region.

Linked from 2 pages

Reagan DoctrineCompared with: It focused on deterring external control of the Gulf, not aiding anti-communist insurgencies.