Iran threatens response after Ukraine strike on Iranian vessel as Tehran accuses Zelensky

Tehran: Iran has threatened retaliation against Ukraine following an alleged attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea that left one sailor dead and another injured.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the incident was a violation of international law and warned that Tehran would respond. He also raised the issue during separate conversations with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

In a post on X, Araghchi accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of ordering an attack on an Iranian vessel and described it as a "blatant UN Charter violation". He alleged that the action was carried out to involve Europe further in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Iran accuses Ukraine of targeting commercial ship

Iran's Foreign Ministry said the vessel exploded after the alleged strike, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to others.

Tehran described the incident as a "hostile and criminal act" and said it had summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires in Tehran to formally protest the attack.

Iran also rejected claims that it was directly involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the country had not intervened in the conflict.

Ukraine claims strikes targeted military-linked vessels

The Iranian accusations followed comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said Ukrainian forces had carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea.

Ukraine's intelligence services claimed the strikes targeted cargo vessels under international sanctions that were allegedly being used to transport military-related cargo between Iran and Russia.

Kyiv said the operations were aimed at vessels connected to Russia's war efforts rather than civilian shipping.

The incident highlights the increasing international dimension of the Russia-Ukraine war, with countries linked to Moscow facing pressure and military actions beyond traditional battle zones.

Iran has maintained close relations with Russia, including cooperation in areas such as defence and energy, while Ukraine and its allies have repeatedly accused Tehran of supporting Moscow.

The latest dispute adds another layer of tension involving Iran, Ukraine, Russia and Western countries amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.