Iran's Defense Minister says the Guinness Book of World Records should certify the US as the major violator of international conventions.

The appalling act of downing an Iranian passenger jet in the Persian Gulf will never be forgotten, said Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar in the Defense Ministry on Tuesday.

An Iranian passenger jet was destroyed by the US Navy's guided missile cruiser USS Vincennes between Bandar Abbas and Dubai on Sunday July 3, 1988, over the Strait of Hormuz.

The US warship patrolling Iran's maritime territory killed all 290 passengers, including 66 children, and crewmembers onboard the Iran Air Flight 655.

"The July 3 tragedy has marred the world's aviation history," Najjar added.

The White House claims the incident was an honest mistake on behalf of the US Navy. Iran, however, says there is no way that an Airbus A300 can be mistaken for an F-14 Tomcat fighter.

Brig. Gen. Mohammad-Najjar said the international community turned a blind eye to the incident and the White House rewarded the officers in charge of downing the passenger jet.

Lieutenant Commander Scott Lustig, air-warfare coordinator on the Vincennes, was awarded with the Commendation Medal for 'heroic achievement', noting his 'ability to maintain his poise and confidence under fire'.

Iran has called on the international community to never forget Washington's atrocities in the Persian Gulf, the US government's refusal to claim responsibility for the incident, and its refusal to apologize to the Iranian nation.

Md/HGH