Iran Summons Ukrainian Diplomat Following Attack on Vessel in the Caspian Sea

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires in Tehran following an attack on an Iranian sanctioned commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea.

According to Reuters, one sailor was killed, and another was injured in the attack on the vessel, which was transporting military cargo from Iran to Russia.

Iran described the incident as “an act of aggression” and a “hostile and criminal attack,” adding that it would defend its national interests and security.

In addition, Iranian propaganda has begun using the attack on the vessels to intimidate Ukraine by highlighting the capabilities of its ballistic missiles, emphasizing that Ukraine is within their range.

The strike on the Iranian vessel took place on the night of 25 July, when the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) targeted two cargo ships – PORT OLYA 2 and the dry cargo vessel BEGEY.

The PORT OLYA 2 is owned by the sanctioned Russian company MG-Fleet LLC, formerly known as Transmorflot LLC.

According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the company is linked to businessman Jamaldin Pashayev, who built his business around the Port of Olya in Russia’s Astrakhan Region.

The company Navigator LLC, which Pashayev also owns, is responsible for organizing military maritime transport for the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Russia used the BEGEY to transport ammunition, artillery shells, body armor, and helmets from Iran across the Caspian Sea.

During voyages between Iranian and Russian ports, the vessel’s crew routinely switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The targeted vessels are subject to international sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ukraine for their involvement in weapons logistics.