Iranian envoy denies military cargo aboard vessel hit in Caspian Sea

The Iranian merchant vessel targeted in the Caspian Sea was not carrying military cargo, Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, stated.

"This attack was a crime. The vessel was civilian and, contrary to some claims, was not transporting any military cargo," the ambassador emphasised.

Jalali went on to describe Iran's response following the attack, highlighting the efforts made to assist the crew.

"As soon as we learned the vessel had been attacked, our consulate in Astrakhan became actively involved. Our Russian friends provided support so that we could evacuate the crew from the area as quickly as possible. 

Unfortunately, one of our compatriots was killed in the incident, and we extend our condolences to his family. Several other Iranian citizens were injured," the diplomat added.

On July 25, Iran's Foreign Ministry said Ukraine had struck an Iranian merchant vessel in the Caspian Sea, resulting in the death of one crew member.

By Jeyhun Aghazada