Iran keeps pressing Ukraine for compensation over strike on vessel in Caspian Sea
Photo: An oil tanker in the Caspian Sea (Getty Images)
Tehran does not consider Kyiv's explanation that the attack was unintentional convincing for some reason and continues to demand compensation, according to Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, ISNA reports.
Iran demands compensation from Ukraine
Iran is demanding compensation from Ukraine over a strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea.
"We clearly, quickly and decisively stated our position and issued a statement. We continue to believe that the Ukrainian side's claims that this act was unintentional have not convinced us," Baqaei said.
Iran is citing statements by Ukrainian officials regarding the attack itself.
"We heard their words, but given the acknowledgment by senior Ukrainian officials that such an attack was carried out, they must compensate for it. Of course, if they do not compensate, we will compensate ourselves," the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Baqaei did not specify what Tehran meant by its own "compensation" in the event that Ukraine refuses to pay.
Ukraine's strikes in the Caspian Sea
At the end of July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported successful long-range strikes by Ukraine's Armed Forces in the Caspian Sea.
The targets included:
- A warship;
- Vessels carrying military cargo from Iran.
Iran also accused Ukraine of attacking its commercial vessel, reporting one crew member killed and another injured. Tehran also said it had the right to launch a retaliatory strike.
On July 28, acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart.
Iran later said it had been preparing to strike three targets in Ukraine but abandoned the plan after Kyiv allegedly apologized.
