Iran has claimed it was ready to strike three sites in Ukraine but called off the attack after Kyiv apologised, according to a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader.
Iran's claim
Mohsen Rezaee said Iran's armed forces had been preparing to target three locations in retaliation for a strike on a ship in the Caspian Sea that Iranian officials said was carrying military cargo. Speaking to Iranian state television, Rezaei said: "We were set to strike three sites in Ukraine, but cancelled the attack after Ukraine's apology."
He did not provide evidence to support the claim or identify the alleged targets, and Ukraine has not publicly responded. His comments came after a July 25 attack that Iranian officials say killed one crew member and destroyed the vessel.
Diplomatic responses
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later demanded compensation from Ukraine, writing on X: "Iran does not seek escalation either, but made clear any attack on our citizens or interests is unacceptable." He added: "There must be restitution for losses."
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv's actions were "aimed solely at defending our country from Russian aggression and never intended to target civilian vessels or people."
Strait of Hormuz warning
Rezaei also warned that Iran would not allow vessels to use maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz outside those designated by Tehran, saying any ship using what he described as an "illegal route" could be targeted.
The comments came as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there was a chance an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within 24 hours.
US and regional efforts
US President Donald Trump said he had offered Iran what he described as its "last chance" for peace after claiming he had prepared major military strikes before calling them off following appeals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry later confirmed diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Pakistan and Oman were continuing in an attempt to ease tensions and facilitate negotiations.
