Iran Says Ukraine Described Vessel Attack as Unintentional, Seeks Compensation
Iran has said Ukraine acknowledged that a reported attack on an Iranian commercial vessel was unintentional, while Tehran continues to demand compensation for the losses and insists that attacks on its citizens and national interests are unacceptable.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he spoke by telephone with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, who assured him that the incident was not deliberate and that Kyiv is not seeking to escalate tensions.
According to Araghchi, Iran also has no interest in further escalation but expects accountability over the incident. He stressed that compensation should be provided for the damage and losses resulting from the attack.
The diplomatic exchange follows Iran’s accusation that a Ukrainian strike targeted one of its commercial vessels in the Caspian Sea, reportedly killing one crew member and injuring another. Tehran has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an act of aggression, and has summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires to demand an explanation and accountability.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sybiha said Ukraine is committed to avoiding unnecessary escalation with Iran, maintaining that Ukrainian military operations are focused solely on defending the country against Russia and are not intended to target civilian ships or individuals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukrainian forces had struck vessels involved in transporting military cargo connected to Iran but did not identify any specific ship.
The latest developments highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further tensions while both countries maintain differing accounts of the circumstances surrounding the maritime incident.
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