Iran, Ukraine Seek Calm After Ship Attack
Iran and Ukraine have agreed to avoid further escalation following a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. The incident killed one sailor and prompted Tehran to demand compensation for the damage and loss of life.
Iran and Ukraine Hold Direct Talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed the incident during a telephone conversation on Tuesday.
Araghchi said his Ukrainian counterpart had assured him that the attack was unintentional and that Kyiv did not seek to escalate tensions with Tehran. Iran also said it wanted to prevent further confrontation but warned that attacks against its citizens and commercial interests were unacceptable.
Tehran demanded restitution for the losses caused by the strike.
Ukraine Denies Targeting Civilian Vessel
Sybiha described the exchange as a frank conversation and said diplomacy required direct communication, particularly during periods of heightened tension.
He maintained that Ukrainian military operations were aimed solely at defending the country against Russia and were not intended to target civilian ships or crew members.
Ukraine also urged Iran to avoid any retaliatory or escalatory action following the Caspian Sea incident.
Caspian Sea Ship Attack Killed Sailor
Iran said the strike caused an explosion aboard the commercial vessel, killing one sailor and injuring other crew members.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier said his country had attacked a Russian warship and vessels allegedly involved in transporting Iran-linked military cargo across the Caspian Sea.
The incident threatened to worsen already strained relations between Tehran and Kyiv. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting Russia’s military campaign, while Iran has denied involvement in the conflict and condemned attacks on its commercial shipping.
