Iran considered launching a retaliatory strike against Ukraine after an attack on an Iranian merchant vessel, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed Iranian and Western officials.

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Ukraine attacked the Iranian-owned commercial ship on July 25. One crew member was killed and another sailor was wounded.

Sources familiar with intelligence assessments said Tehran may have discussed firing a ballistic missile fitted with a small warhead. The proposed strike was intended as a symbolic response and was not expected to cause extensive damage.

One of the potential targets was reportedly a Ukrainian port on the Black Sea coast. However, intensified diplomatic contacts have so far prevented the situation from escalating further.

On Tuesday, July 28, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and demanded compensation for the damage caused to the vessel.

Araghchi said the Ukrainian side described the attack as an unintended incident and assured Tehran that Kiev had no interest in widening the conflict.