President Reagan gives secret order to fight terrorism, April 3rd, 1984
National Security Decision Directive 138 is a top-secret decision to counter state-sponsored terrorism “by all legal means.” But “legal means” will soon be set aside. Iran is at war with its neighbor Iraq, and has run out of weapons. Reagan will secretly authorize weapon sales to Iran, a sworn US enemy and the nation responsible for killing hundreds of Americans. Reagan knows this, but he decides that liberating American hostages is worth breaking the law. Under a plan masterminded by Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, American funds will be secretly funneled to rebel Contras fighting communism in Nicaragua.