Iran has warned Ukraine of retaliation after accusing Kyiv of attacking one of its commercial vessels in the Caspian Sea. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the attack violated international law a nd "cannot go unanswered."
His remarks came a day after Tehran publicly condemned what it called a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian commercial ship.
Explosion Kills One Sailor, Injures Another
The attack reportedly took place early on Saturday. According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, the strike caused a powerful explosion on the vessel. The blast killed one sailor and injured another crew member. The ministry said the ship was operating as a commercial vessel when the attack happened.
Iran Raises Issue With EU and Russia
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the incident with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In a post on X, Araghchi directly blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the attack.
"Zelenskyy has attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, killing a sailor," Araghchi said on X, describing it as "a blatant UN Charter violation done at Israel's behest to drag Europe into its war". Araghchi said he also delivered a strong message during his talks with Kallas and Lavrov. "made clear that what the freeloader in Kyiv did cannot go unanswered".
Zelenskyy has attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, killing a sailor. A blatant UN Charter violation done at Israel's behest to drag Europe into its war.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 26, 2026
In calls with EU High Rep Kallas and FM Lavrov, made clear that what the freeloader in Kyiv did CANNOT GO UNANSWERED.
Iran Denies Involvement in Russia-Ukraine War
Iran rejected claims that it has entered the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Foreign Ministry said Tehran has stayed out of the war. It insisted that the attacked vessel was a commercial ship. "The Islamic republic has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine."
Iran said the strike violated international law and targeted a civilian vessel.
Ukraine Says It Targeted Military Cargo Ships
Iran's response followed a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said Ukraine had carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea. Ukraine's intelligence services later said on Telegram that drones targeted ships carrying military cargo.
According to AFP, the agency said the strikes hit, “cargo vessels under international sanctions that were used to transport military cargo between Iran and Russia,”
Ukraine claimed the vessels transported military supplies between Iran and Russia.
Tehran Summons Ukrainian Diplomat
Iran's state television said the Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires on Saturday. Tehran lodged a formal diplomatic protest. It called the strike a "hostile and criminal act."
Iran has vowed to respond while continuing diplomatic efforts with international partners over the incident.