Iran Acknowledges Russian-Made Missiles Downed Ukraine Jet That Killed 176

Iran acknowledged on Tuesday that its armed forces fired two Russian anti-aircraft missiles at a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed after taking off from Tehran’s main airport. The plane, en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, was carrying 168 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, at least 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians. For days after the shootdown, Iran denied that it fired missiles at the plane, initially blaming a technical malfunction.

The new report identified the missiles fired at the aircraft as coming from the TOR-M1. In 2017, Iran received the delivery of 29 TOR-M1 units from Russia under a contract worth an estimated USD 700 million.

However, the report said, "The impact of these missiles on the accident and the analysis of this action is under investigation."

It was days after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani revealed that missile caused the crash.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on plane crash

‘Regretting’ the crash, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had offered ‘condolences’ to the families of the victims. “Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752 (sic),” Rouhani said on Twitter.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences,” he said in another tweet.

Javad Zarif terms development sad

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif termed the development as ‘sad day’. Using a heartbreak emoji, Zarif tweeted, “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.”

On Wednesday, Iran has arrested the person who videographed and posted online the clip of a missile striking the jet. Without proving much details about the arrest, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that the investigation will be presented to the public.