Kremlin says Iran can defend its rights after Ukraine drone attack

Russia's Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Iran is an independent country capable of firmly defending its rights, following a Ukrainian drone attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Responding to reporters, Peskov described Ukraine's actions as aggressive, noting that the government in Kiev has targeted various countries. He cited a previous attack on Germany, where Ukraine blew up a facility of critically important energy infrastructure, and now the attack on Iran, striking an Iranian vessel.

The Kremlin spokesperson also referred to Ukrainian drone strikes on facilities and terminals of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, highlighting that Kazakhstan is a joint owner of the oil pipeline consortium. In separate remarks later on Monday, Peskov warned that Ukraine's attack on the Iranian vessel represented another round of escalation by Kiev and could signal an expansion of the geographical scope of the conflict.

The Iranian vessel, owned by the private sector and carrying rolled steel sheet cargo, was attacked by a Ukrainian drone in the Caspian Sea on Saturday. Denouncing the attack, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said it reflected Ukraine's continued "irrational and hostile approach" towards Iran. The ministry also described the attack as a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and "an act of aggression" with potential escalatory effects.

According to Mehr News, the incident has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Ukraine amid the broader Ukraine war. The attack marks a significant development in the conflict, potentially widening its scope to include the Caspian Sea region.