Iran Cancels Planned Strikes on Three Ukrainian Targets After Kyiv Apology
Iran has reportedly suspended plans to strike three military targets in Ukraine following diplomatic contact between Tehran and Kyiv over a recent attack on an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea.
The dispute began after Ukrainian forces reportedly used drones to strike the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Anasa, killing one crew member and injuring several others. Ukraine said the vessel was allegedly involved in transporting military equipment and supplies to Russia, while Iran rejected the accusation and described the ship as a civilian commercial vessel.
Iranian officials subsequently said military planners had identified three targets in Ukraine for a potential retaliatory strike.
The situation was later addressed through a direct call between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Kyiv reportedly explained that the attack was the result of an operational error, rather than an intentional strike on a civilian vessel, and expressed regret and apologized for the incident.
Following the diplomatic communication, Iran reportedly decided to suspend and cancel the planned strikes against the three Ukrainian targets.
Tehran has nevertheless maintained that the incident must have consequences and is reportedly seeking civil compensation for the family of the crew member who was killed and for the owners of the vessel.