Volodymyr Zelensky says strikes in Caspian Sea had “very strong results” on Iran-linked vessels

Ukraine’s military carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea, hitting vessels that President Volodymyr Zelensky said were used to transport military cargo involving Iran, as well as a warship. The operation reportedly targeted cargo ships under international sanctions that moved matériel between Iran and Russia. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel, killing one sailor, and called it a violation of the UN Charter done at Israel’s request. Tehran summoned Ukraine’s charge d’affaires to protest the “hostile and criminal act” and insisted Iran has not intervened in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The incident highlights how the war’s effects are spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders.