Tehran: Iran's ambassador to Russia has demanded that Ukraine provide compensation for the damages resulting from a drone attack on the Iranian merchant ship Anna in the Caspian Sea. The assault, which occurred on July 11, led to the death of one crew member and injuries to several others.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Kazem Jalali described the attack as a 'terrorist and criminal act' against a civilian vessel that was carrying commercial cargo under the Iranian flag. Jalali emphasized that the assault was a deliberate act targeting a non-military ship.

Jalali further disclosed that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been actively involved in diplomatic discussions regarding the incident. He has communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the EU foreign policy chief. Additionally, Ukraine's foreign minister has issued an apology and provided explanations in a call with Araghchi.

The ambassador also called on European countries and the United States, who are supporters of Ukraine, to take responsibility and hold Kyiv accountable for its actions. He noted that Ukrainian officials have acknowledged their responsibility and assured that such incidents would not be repeated.

The Anna, a privately owned vessel, was transporting rolled sheet iron when it was struck by a Ukrainian drone, as per the account provided by Jalali.