Evidence shows attack on Iranian vessel deliberate; Iran to pursue matter via necessary steps: FM spox
The Iranian Foreign Ministry says evidence and statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicate that Kiev's recent deadly attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in Russian waters was deliberate, despite assurances from the European country's officials that the incident was unintentional.
Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks during a press conference on Monday, responding to a question about Iran’s latest follow-up regarding the incident and its measures to hold Kiev accountable.
Ukrainian officials have described the incident as accidental in direct contacts with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and in messages sent to Tehran, he said. “However, the evidence and indications are very clear, including explicit statements by the president of Ukraine, indicating that the attack was deliberate,” he added.
The spokesperson said the Islamic Republic had taken note of the explanations provided by Ukrainian officials and was now waiting to see whether Kiev would take practical steps to support its assertion.
The official added, though, that Tehran would pursue measures it considered necessary both to hold Ukraine accountable and to prevent a recurrence.
The merchant ship Anna, which was carrying a cargo of iron from the Russian port of Astrakhan to Iran’s Bandar Anzali, came under a Ukrainian attack last month, which killed one sailor and injured several others.
✍🏻 Viewpoint - Ukraine's strike on Iranian cargo vessel is a reckless military gamble that carries serious consequences
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By Mohammad Raghib Alihttps://t.co/8hcbwreGgK
Iran warns of Ukraine-linked activity in Iraq
In separate remarks, the spokesperson addressed reports concerning the arrest of several groups in Iraq that Iraqi security officials have found culpable of carrying out sabotage, including attacks on Iraqi oil facilities, with Ukrainian backing.
The official described the matter as a cause for concern and linked the activity to broader regional security concerns.
“The fact that a party involved in a four-year conflict in another region, and whose record, unfortunately, shows that it has undertaken unconventional measures to attract the attention of various parties and secure their support, would now seek to pursue, in one way or another, false-flag operations in our region is a matter of warning for all countries in the region,” Baghaei said.
The spokesperson said Iran was communicating with Iraqi officials over the matter, stressing that Tehran viewed insecurity in Iraq as potentially affecting the wider region.
“We believe that any insecurity in Iraq, whether directed against Iraq’s national security or against neighboring countries, could have consequences for the entire region, including the Islamic Republic,” the official said.
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