Iran‘s armed forces has admitted unintentionally shooting down Ukrainian plane that crashed near Tehran, Iran this week, killing all 176 people on board, blaming the crash on human error.
In post on Twitter, Iran’s foreign minister, Mohamad Javad Zarif, apologized for the act but went ahead to blame American “adventurism” for the tragedy, saying: “Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster.”
A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces:
Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster
Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations.
💔— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 11, 2020
Iran initially denied responsibility for shooting down the plane with one of its missiles but Western intelligence officials said evidence pointed to Iranian involvement.
The Kiev-bound Boeing 737-800 plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Imam Khomeini Airport.
“Washington believes it is “likely” Iran was responsible for the downing of the Boeing 737-800 and that an “appropriate response” would come when a “final determination” is made.”
Footage of the Ukranian plane crash in Iran 😯 #PS752 #Tehran pic.twitter.com/9l7KnM5O6E
— Chewy (@Chewy9991) January 8, 2020
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, in his first reaction to Iran’s announcement, said Kyiv would “insist on a full admission of guilt” by Tehran.
Mr. Zelensky in a post on his Facebook page said;
We expect Iran to assure its readiness for a full and open investigation, to bring those responsible to justice, to return the bodies of the victims, to pay compensation, and to make official apologies through diplomatic channels,” “We hope that the investigation will continue without artificial delays and obstacles.”
However, many Iranians are furious toward their government in the first hours after Tehran’s admission, even as many planned to gather in main squares around town with candles at 5 p.m. Saturday local time.
