Iran vows response after alleged attack on vessel in Caspian Sea

Iran has warned that it will respond to the alleged Ukrainian attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, declaring that such actions will not go unanswered, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to Iran's state news agency, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ali Nikzad said Ukraine's "irresponsible act" would not be left without a response.

He stressed that Iran reserves its legal right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Nikzad said any attack on Iranian territory or assets from any location would be regarded as a legitimate military target for retaliation, reaffirming Tehran's commitment to protecting its national security.

The warning comes a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian forces had struck a Russian warship and also targeted an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea.

Iran's Foreign Ministry later confirmed that an Iranian vessel had been hit.

Following the incident, Iran summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran to lodge a formal protest, describing the attack as a hostile and criminal act.

In an official statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the alleged attack violated Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.

It warned that the incident could further escalate regional tensions.

The ministry also said Iran would take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to safeguard its national interests and security.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the alleged attack and called for a decisive response from the UN Security Council, the European Union, and the wider international community.

During a telephone conversation with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Araghchi urged international institutions to ensure that those responsible for, and those supporting, what he described as a criminal act are held accountable.

The developments follow competing claims by Ukraine and Iran.

While Ukraine has said it targeted military assets, Iran has strongly condemned the incident and vowed an appropriate response.