Iran has lodged a formal diplomatic protest against Ukraine after alleging that an Iranian vessel was struck during an operation in the Caspian Sea, raising concerns over escalating regional and international tensions.
Iran has warned Ukraine that it will respond to a reported attack involving an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries amid the broader conflict linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to Iranian state media, Parliament Deputy Speaker Ali Nikzad said Tehran considers any attack on its territory or national interests unacceptable and reserves the right to defend its sovereignty. He warned that the reported incident would not go unanswered.
The dispute emerged after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly stated that Ukrainian forces had targeted a Russian military vessel and also struck an Iranian ship operating in the Caspian Sea. Iran’s Foreign Ministry later confirmed that one of its vessels had been affected during the incident.
In response, Tehran summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires to issue a formal diplomatic protest, describing the reported strike as a hostile and unacceptable act. Iranian officials argued that the incident risks increasing regional instability and accused Ukraine of violating international norms.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country would take appropriate steps to safeguard its security and national interests in accordance with international law. Officials did not immediately provide details on the nature or timing of any potential response.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the reported attack, urging the United Nations, the European Union, and the wider international community to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. During a telephone conversation with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Araghchi called for international action over the reported strike.













