Iran Claims It Canceled Planned Strikes on Three Ukrainian Targets After Kyiv’s Alleged Apology

Iran’s former senior military adviser to the Supreme Leader, Mohsen Rezaei, has claimed that Tehran had fully prepared to launch attacks on three locations in Ukraine but canceled the operation after what he described as an apology from Kyiv.

According to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, Rezaei made the remarks during an interview with Iranian state television. He said the Iranian armed forces had completed all preparations for the planned strikes before the operation was called off. However, he did not provide any details about the alleged apology or explain its nature.

Rezaei also took a firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran would not accept any alternative maritime routes outside its designated shipping corridor. He warned that vessels using what Iran considers illegal routes could be targeted.

He further claimed that during the recent 17-day Iran–US confrontation, Iranian missile and drone attacks disrupted American military plans and inflicted heavy losses on US forces. However, no independent evidence has been presented to support these claims.

The remarks come after Iran accused Ukraine on July 25 of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, an incident Tehran says killed one crew member. Ukraine has not officially responded to those allegations.

Rezaei’s latest claims have also not been independently verified. Analysts say the escalating exchange of accusations between Iran and Ukraine could further complicate diplomatic relations, while Iran’s statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz remain significant due to the waterway’s critical role in global maritime trade.