Iran Accuses Ukraine of Attacking Merchant Ship in Caspian Sea, Threatens Escalation

Tehran has accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian merchant ship in the Caspian Sea. The attack caused an explosion that killed one sailor and injured others. According to the state news agency IRNA, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian chargé d’affaires in Tehran to protest what it called a hostile and criminal act on Saturday. The ministry claimed the attack had been acknowledged by the Ukrainian leadership and said it reflected Kyiv’s continuing irrational and hostile approach towards Iran. The ministry warned that Iran would defend its national interests. The ministry also described the incident as a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and said it could further aggravate and expand the Russia-Ukraine war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the issue in a phone call with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, his office said in a statement.