Tehran Confirms Canceling Attack on Ukraine After Kyiv Issued Formal Apology

A senior military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, Mohsen Rezaee, revealed that Tehran had planned attacks on three sites in Ukraine. This was a direct response to the targeting of an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea. Rezaee stated that the Ukrainian assault on the Iranian ship, which caused casualties, led Iran's leadership to plan a broad military response. However, Kyiv's formal apology prevented its execution. The Iranian vessel was attacked in the Caspian Sea, an act Tehran called "aggressive" and a blatant violation of international law. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had conclusive evidence the attack was deliberate, despite Ukraine's denial and claim it was an "operational error." Rezaee clarified Tehran's decision to forgo the attack came after receiving Ukraine's official apology. Yet, he stressed that Kyiv must take responsibility for its actions, suggesting the incident would have diplomatic or legal repercussions. This development unfolds amid rising tensions between Iran and Ukraine, particularly following Kyiv's repeated accusations that Tehran supplies Russia with drones and missiles used in attacks on Ukrainian territory. Ukraine had earlier targeted Russian vessels in the Caspian Sea, alleging they transported military shipments between Iran and Russia. The Caspian Sea, vital for Moscow-Tehran relations, has become a new arena for indirect conflict between Kyiv and its allies, and Russia and Iran. Iran had previously warned it would respond to Ukraine's "dangerous adventures," affirming the attack "would not go unanswered."