The Iranian Foreign Ministry says evidence and statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicate that Kyiv's recent deadly attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in Russian waters was deliberate, despite assurances from the European country's officials that the incident was unintentional.

Axar.az informs, citing Press TV, that Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks during a press conference on Monday, responding to a question about Iran’s latest follow-up regarding the incident and its measures to hold Kyiv accountable.

Ukrainian officials have described the incident as accidental in direct contacts with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and in messages sent to Tehran, he said. “However, the evidence and indications are very clear, including explicit statements by the president of Ukraine, indicating that the attack was deliberate,” he added.

The spokesperson said the Islamic Republic had taken note of the explanations provided by Ukrainian officials and was now waiting to see whether Kyiv would take practical steps to support its assertion.

The official added, though, that Tehran would pursue measures it considered necessary both to hold Ukraine accountable and to prevent a recurrence.

It should be noted that on July 25, an Iranian vessel was attacked in Russian territorial waters in the Caspian Sea, killing one crew member. Following the incident, Iran accused Ukraine of being responsible for the attack.