Iran Vows Response to Ukrainian Caspian Strike That Killed Sailor on Commercial Vessel
The incident raises the probability of reciprocal Iranian action against Ukrainian or supporting interests and tests European diplomatic positioning.
MIDDLE EAST — On July 25, Ukraine conducted long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea that Iran states hit an Iranian commercial vessel, killing one sailor and injuring at least one other.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the operation achieved strong results against vessels used in military cargo shipments involving Iran as well as a warship.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the action was a violation of the UN Charter and an act of aggression. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated the strike cannot go unanswered and attributed it to Israel’s instigation to draw Europe into the conflict.
Iran summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires. Araghchi discussed the matter in calls with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Iranian-flagged general cargo vessel ANA (IMO 8934491, MMSI 422029200), built in 1986 with a length overall of approximately 89 to 90 meters and beam of 12 meters, was identified by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as the ship involved.
Commercial registry records list deadweight tonnage of 2,755 tons and gross tonnage of 1,846 tons. It had departed Astrakhan, Russia, bound for Anzali, Iran.
Commercial registry records list the registered owner and commercial manager as Tarak Khazar Shipping Co of Bandar Anzali, Iran, with associated entities including Mohammadi AR and International Safety Management manager Moje Sepide Atlas Co.
Global Threat Assessment, Full Report:
This post is for subscribers in the Alerts & Reports: Custom plan
 | A guest post by
|