Kaja Kallas Calls on Iran to Stop Military Support for Russia

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday. The discussion covered the situation in the Persian Gulf, Russia's war against Ukraine, and the attack on French diplomats in Tehran.

Kallas emphasized that Iran's military support for Russia is particularly concerning given Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine in recent days, resulting in rising civilian casualties. She called on Tehran to immediately halt assistance to Moscow, stating that any supplied weapons enable Russia to kill more civilians. Ukraine has the right to defend itself.

Separately, Kallas condemned the attack on French diplomats in Tehran, calling such actions unacceptable. She noted that all EU member states have condemned the incident. According to Paris, on July 19, two employees of the French embassy in Tehran were attacked by Iranian security forces.

Regarding the situation in the Persian Gulf, Kallas said that a temporary ceasefire could give mediators time to find a diplomatic solution and prevent a return to full-scale war.

Kallas also welcomed contacts between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Araghchi aimed at de-escalation. After his conversation with Sybiha, Araghchi stated that Ukraine assured him the attack on an Iranian ship was unintentional and that Ukraine does not seek escalation. However, Araghchi made clear that any attacks on Iranian citizens or interests are unacceptable, and damages must be compensated.

Earlier, Ukraine attacked ships in the Caspian Sea that were carrying military cargo between Iran and Russia. Following this, Tehran promised Kyiv revenge.