Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Tuesday evening that he initiated a direct phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, telling him that Ukraine's sole goal is to defend against Russian aggression and that it had no intention of harming civilian ships. Sybiha stressed the need to avoid any steps that could lead to escalation, according to an Arabic-language report.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Tuesday evening that he placed a direct call to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, telling him that Ukraine's goal is to defend against Russian aggression and that it did not intend to hit civilian vessels. According to an Arabic-language report, Sybiha emphasized the need to avoid any step that could lead to escalation, and clarified that Kyiv's aim is to prevent further escalation.
The call follows a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea days ago, which prompted Iran and Russia to coordinate positions. Earlier Tuesday, The Zioneer reported that Sybiha had discussed de-escalation with Araghchi, but the new report provides additional details of the conversation, including the direct quote. The Iranian foreign ministry has not yet publicly commented on the call.
8 developments
- DevelopingKremlin: Iran should view Ukrainian ship strike as direct attack on Iran
- DevelopingIran and Russia coordinate positions after Ukrainian strike on Iranian ship
- StrongUkraine's foreign minister rejects Iran's threats as 'unjustified and baseless'
- StrongUkraine's Sybiha warns Iran against escalation, urges halt to Russian war support
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