NYT: Iran considered the possibility of striking a Ukrainian seaport
Kyiv • UNN
Iran promised a "retaliatory strike" after the drone attack in the Caspian Sea, considering Ukraine's Black Sea ports as targets. Diplomatic efforts, including a conversation between the foreign ministers, calmed the situation.
Iran "considered the possibility of an attack on a seaport in Ukraine" after a drone strike in the Caspian Sea, but a flurry of diplomatic efforts calmed the situation, citing Iranian and Western officials The New York Times reports, UNN writes.
Details
Iranian officials after the drone strike in the Caspian Sea promised to deliver a "retaliatory strike." "Some people briefed on intelligence data said they expected Iran to launch a ballistic missile with a small warhead at Ukraine to make a symbolic gesture but cause relatively little damage. Other officials said the target was likely one of Ukraine's Black Sea ports."
"Any missile launched from Iran at Ukraine would lead to dramatic escalation and risk provoking a wider war, given the tensions between the two countries over Iran's alliance with Russia," the publication noted.
"Iranian officials said they hoped the conflict would end with their retaliatory strike, but Western officials warned it is difficult to predict how Ukraine will react."
"On Tuesday, after Ukrainian diplomats tried to de-escalate tensions, Araghchi spoke by phone with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. After the conversation, Araghchi wrote in a post that Sybiha called the attack on the cargo ship unintentional," the publication states.
"Iran also does not seek escalation, but has clearly stated that any attack on our citizens or interests is unacceptable. There must be compensation for damages," Araghchi noted.
Iran's Foreign Minister stated on his official webpage that he also spoke with Kaja Kallas, the European Union's top diplomat, about "ways to help reduce tensions in the region."
Mehdi Rahmati, an analyst close to the Iranian government and based in the country, said that while some Iranian political figures called for a retaliatory strike against Ukraine, others advised restraint.
"Ukraine is not a small, insignificant country. It has experience waging war and logistical support from America and Europe. We will gain nothing by creating a new front in the war," Rahmati said in a telephone interview from Tehran.
Ukrainian officials, the publication notes, have long pointed out Russia's use of Iranian drones and their components in Russia's attacks on Ukraine.