Iran says it abandoned plans for a retaliatory strike against Ukraine after Russia intervened diplomatically, underscoring Moscow's growing role as a mediator between its strategic partners. The comments come amid continuing regional tensions and renewed efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.
Iran Says Planned Strike on Ukraine Was Called Off After Russian Mediation
Tehran says a planned military response against Ukraine was halted following diplomatic intervention by Moscow, as tensions continue to ripple beyond the Middle East.
Iran says it abandoned plans for a retaliatory strike against Ukraine after Russia intervened diplomatically, underscoring Moscow's growing role as a mediator between its strategic partners. The comments come amid continuing regional tensions and renewed efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.
Lead Image: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei speaking at a press briefing. Photo: RT video / RT.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says Tehran decided against carrying out a planned strike on Ukraine after diplomatic efforts involving Russia helped de-escalate the situation. The comments were made during a press briefing in which Baghaei discussed broader regional tensions and Iran's response to recent military developments.
Baghaei also sharply criticised recent US military actions in Iran, describing strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure as violations of international law. He referred specifically to an airstrike on a residential neighbourhood on Qeshm Island, which Iranian authorities say killed three civilians, including a two-year-old child. US Central Command has maintained that the strike targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) positions.
Citing reporting from The New York Times, Baghaei said evidence suggested a 2,000-pound Mark 84 bomb had been used in the attack. He argued that repeated strikes on civilian locations amounted to war crimes and said Iran intended to pursue accountability through international legal mechanisms.
The spokesman also referred to previous attacks during the conflict, including strikes on schools and other civilian facilities, alleging that hundreds of educational institutions had been damaged or destroyed. He said Iran believes the attacks demonstrate a pattern of targeting civilian infrastructure rather than purely military objectives.
Turning to diplomacy, Baghaei rejected suggestions that Iran is currently engaged in direct negotiations with the United States. While US President Donald Trump has recently said discussions with Tehran were progressing, Baghaei insisted the only active talks involve Oman, focusing on arrangements for a temporary safe shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically significant waterways, carrying around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Any disruption to shipping through the passage has the potential to affect global energy markets and international trade.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
While New Zealand is geographically distant from the Middle East, developments involving the Strait of Hormuz are significant because they can influence global oil prices, shipping costs and inflation. Any escalation involving major energy supply routes has the potential to affect fuel prices and the wider economy.
The claims made by Iranian officials reflect Tehran's position on recent events. The United States has disputed aspects of Iran's account of the conflict, and many of the allegations remain subject to differing interpretations by the parties involved.
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.