Iran summoned a Ukrainian diplomat in Tehran this Sunday after an attack against an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. According to the Iranian government, the action left one sailor dead and other crew members injured.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a complaint with Ukraine’s chargé d'affaires and described the episode as a “hostile and criminal act.” The accusation comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine becomes increasingly connected to tensions involving Tehran and its allies.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed that Ukrainian forces carried out long-range attacks in the Caspian Sea. According to him, the targets included vessels used to transport military cargo related to Iran and also a warship.
The offensive is related to Iranian military support for Russia. Tehran has for years been identified as a supplier of the Shahed drones used by Russian forces in attacks against Ukraine.
The situation also comes amid intensified clashes in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia carried out attacks against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen, while Saudi air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemeni territory.
At the same time, the United States temporarily reduced its attacks against Iran after 13 consecutive nights of operations. The current U.S. president, Donald Trump, decided to suspend the offensives to make room for diplomatic efforts, according to the American ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz.
“He is making room for the talks, he is allowing them to happen,” Waltz said.
The U.S. naval blockade against Iran, however, remains active. U.S. Central Command reported that, by 25 de julho, it had redirected 12 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two others to ensure compliance with the rules.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said it had “established complete authority over the Strait of Hormuz.” The body also said that six ships were forced to anchor after warnings issued in the last 24 hours.
Despite the interruption of formal negotiations between Washington and Tehran, technical talks on the Strait of Hormuz continued with Oman’s participation. Diplomacy also gained support from Pakistan, which is seeking a way to reopen negotiations between the U.S. and Iran with China’s backing.
The diplomatic movement helped put pressure on oil prices. On Friday, Brent fell almost 4%, to US$ 96,78 per barrel, while WTI dropped 3%, ending the session at US$ 89,31.