Iran and Russia Step Up Contacts After Attack on Iranian Ship in the Caspian Sea

Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said Tehran and Moscow remain in close contact following an attack on an Iranian merchant vessel in the Caspian Sea. According to the ambassador, the defense ministries of both countries, along with their foreign ministries and other government agencies, are coordinating closely on the issue. "Officials from both countries remain in constant contact, including representatives of the foreign ministries, defense ministries, and other agencies, as cooperation between Iran and Russia spans a wide range of areas," Jalali said. Iran Protests Attack on Merchant Ship On July 25, Ukraine reportedly struck an Iranian commercial vessel, causing an explosion on board. Following the incident, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran and delivered an official diplomatic protest.