Iran's FM urges EU to take 'decisive' action against Ukraine's attack on Iranian ship
Tehran, July 26
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called on the EU to take "decisive" action against Ukraine's targeting of an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea.
He made the remarks on Saturday in a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in which the two sides discussed the latest regional developments, according to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Araghchi condemned the Ukrainian attack, urging the EU, UN Security Council, and international community to hold its "perpetrators" and supporters to account, according to the statement.
The two sides also addressed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need for diplomatic initiatives to manage regional tensions, it added, reports Xinhua news agency.
In a separate statement, the ministry said it summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires in Tehran on Saturday over the attack, formally delivering a note of protest condemning the "hostile and criminal" act.
Earlier in the day, the ministry said the Ukrainian attack had caused the vessel to explode, killing a sailor and wounding another.
The ministry said Iran has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, adding the strike could further "spread the flames of the war and insecurity in a dangerous manner."
Also on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country's forces had hit a Russian warship and vessels used for transporting Iran-linked military cargo in the Caspian Sea.
Earlier, the ministry said in a statement that the attack, carried out by the Ukrainian government, violated the UN Charter and constituted an "act of aggression."
Iran has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the ministry said, adding the strike could further "spread the flames of the war and insecurity in a dangerous manner."
It stressed Iran will not hesitate to defend its national interests and security, warning that Ukraine will be responsible for the consequences of its "adventurism."
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a dangerous escalation. Iran claims it hasn't intervened in Russia-Ukraine war, but hitting an Iranian ship suggests Ukraine believes otherwise. Either way, killing a sailor is tragic. The international community must de-escalate before this spirals into a wider conflict.
Typical double standards from the West. If Iran had attacked a Ukrainian ship, there would be sanctions within hours. But when Ukraine does it, the EU will probably just issue a mild statement. The UN Charter means nothing if it's not enforced equally. 🇮🇷
Zelensky saying they hit vessels transporting "Iran-linked military cargo" is a big claim. If true, Iran's neutrality in the war is questionable. But even so, attacking a commercial ship is a war crime. Both sides need to be held accountable, not just one.
The Caspian Sea is a shared space—neither Ukraine nor Iran should be turning it into a battlefield. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts. This attack only benefits those who want more chaos in the region. 🙏
Iran is clearly trying to play victim, but let's not forget their support for Russia's drone attacks. Ukraine's move is reckless, but Iran's hands aren't clean either. The EU should push for a ceasefire, not take sides in this messy proxy war.
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