Ukraine warns Iran against escalation after Caspian Sea vessel strike

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, against escalation and demanded an end to Iran's support for Russia's war in Ukraine. The conversation followed a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, which Iran claimed resulted in one sailor's death and stated 'cannot go unanswered.'

Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine's actions were solely defensive against Russian aggression and never intended to target civilian vessels or people. He also stated that Iran is a direct accomplice to Russian aggression and supplies weapons to Moscow.

Separately, Sybiha discussed regional challenges, including the threat posed by Iran, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. In a related development, Araghchi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas held a phone call to discuss Middle East developments and de-escalation efforts.