Iran Accuses Ukraine of Caspian Sea Vessel Attack; Demands UN, EU Response

Iran has accused Ukraine of attacking a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, an incident that resulted in an explosion and the death of one crew member, with another injured. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that the attack violates Article 2 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force in international relations. In response, Iran summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires and presented a protest note. Tehran claims Kyiv has admitted involvement and labeled Ukraine's actions as a "hostile course." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, urging the UN and EU to condemn the attack and hold those responsible accountable. The two also discussed regional events, including the situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mujtaba Khamenei reiterated Iran's strategic support for Hezbollah and stated that a complete cessation of Israeli aggression is a key condition for any agreement with the United States. The statement also noted that armed resistance remains the only way to counter U.S. and Israeli policies in the region.

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Abbas Araghchi and the head of the European Union's foreign policy discussed regional developments by phone. During the phone call, Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned Ukraine's attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. He called on the UN Security Council, the European Union, and the international community to give a strong assessment of the incident, and demanded that both the perpetrators and those behind the attack be brought to justice.