Iran Accuses Ukraine of Escalating War After Caspian Sea Vessel Strike

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned a Ukrainian drone attack that hit a vessel on the Caspian Sea, accusing Kyiv of seeking to expand the conflict and acting on Israel’s orders.

Iran Alleges Ukrainian Aggression on Caspian Sea

The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Kyiv of seeking to expand the war after a Ukrainian drone struck a ship on the Caspian Sea, according to Reuters. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on the platform X that President Zelensky attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, killing a sailor, and accused the Ukrainian leader of acting on orders from Israel.

Diplomatic Fallout and Calls to Foreign Officials

Araghchi emphasized that the attack cannot go unanswered and stated that he conveyed this position during telephone conversations with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Following the incident, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the charge d’affaires of Ukraine in Tehran on Saturday, labeling the event a hostile and criminal attack.

Zelensky Confirms Strikes and Alleges Russian Aid to Iran

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Saturday that Ukrainian forces struck targets on the Caspian Sea, including units transporting military equipment from Iran and a warship. Reuters noted that the sharp reaction from Iranian authorities coincided with Zelensky’s statement in a video message that Russia is helping Iran attack U.S. military facilities in the Middle East and Persian Gulf states by providing satellite imagery.