Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is "ready for everything" after Iran warned of retaliation over a recent attack on an Iran-bound cargo vessel, amid rising tensions between Kyiv and Tehran.

In an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy said Iran has already played a role in the war against Ukraine by supplying weapons to Russia, adding that Kyiv remains prepared for any further escalation.

"Iran has already attacked us by supplying weapons to Russia," Zelenskyy said. "We have to be cautious. We have to do everything not to open a new front. But we have to be honest—Iranians and North Koreans have already attacked us."

Tensions Escalate Over Cargo Vessel Attack

The latest diplomatic row follows Ukraine's reported strike on a Russian cargo vessel believed to be headed for Iran in the Caspian Sea.

The incident came shortly after Zelenskyy alleged that Russia had provided Iran with satellite intelligence to assist attacks on US military bases in West Asia.

Following the cargo vessel attack, Tehran vowed to respond, accusing Ukraine of targeting an Iranian commercial ship.

Iran Condemns Attack

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the strike as a violation of international law and alleged that Ukraine acted at the behest of Israel.

In a statement shared on social media, Araghchi claimed the attack killed one sailor and injured another aboard the vessel.

"The attack on an Iranian commercial vessel cannot go unanswered," he said, while offering no evidence to support allegations that Israel was involved.

Iran's Foreign Ministry also summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran to formally protest the incident, reiterating that Iran has not directly participated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Zelenskyy Warns Against Further Escalation

Despite Iran's warning, Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine would remain vigilant without seeking to widen the conflict.

"I hope they will not increase these attacks, but we have to be ready for everything," he said, adding that Ukraine cannot ignore Iran's military cooperation with Russia.

The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his government's longstanding accusation that Iran has supplied drones and other military equipment used by Russian forces during the war.

Regional Tensions Continue

The dispute comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Iran, Ukraine and Western allies.

During separate conversations with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Araghchi reiterated Iran's condemnation of the attack.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov conveyed condolences over the casualties and thanked Russian authorities in the Astrakhan region for assisting the vessel's crew following the incident.

The latest exchange signals another potential flashpoint in the broader conflict, with both Ukraine and Iran adopting increasingly confrontational positions while international efforts to prevent further escalation continue.