Ukraine Calls Iran to Avert Escalation After Caspian Ship Strike

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi after the deadly strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, saying Kyiv wanted to avoid unnecessary escalation. Sybiha said Ukraine's actions are aimed solely at defending against Russian aggression and were never intended to target civilian vessels or people. He urged Tehran to end support for Russia's war. Araghchi said Sybiha assured him the ship strike was unintentional; Iran also did not seek escalation, but demanded restitution for losses after one sailor was killed.