US Authorities: Ukrainian Passenger Plane Shot Down by Two Iranian Missiles

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. authorities are reportedly concluding that the Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed on the outskirts of Tehran, the capital of Iran, was hit by a surface-to-air missile fired by Iran.

On the 9th (local time), foreign media including CNN reported that U.S. officials believe the Ukrainian passenger plane crash was caused by an accidental missile launch by Iran. One official stated that, based on the review of U.S. intelligence satellite data, the U.S. government concluded that the cause of the accident was the downing of the plane by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles.

According to the official, Iranian radar was tracking the passenger plane before the missile launch. The passenger plane was airborne when signals from two surface-to-air missiles were detected, but shortly thereafter, an explosion occurred near the plane, which then crashed engulfed in flames. The Associated Press also cited another U.S. official reporting that the Ukrainian passenger plane was shot down by two Iranian Russian-made SA-15 surface-to-air missiles.

Most Western countries, including the United States, believe the passenger plane was downed by an Iranian ballistic missile. U.S. President Donald Trump stated at a White House press conference that the exact cause of the crash was unknown but said, "Someone may have made a mistake," indicating suspicion.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said at a press conference held in Ottawa that "the Ukrainian passenger plane was hit by an Iranian surface-to-air missile," adding, "Canada has obtained multiple pieces of information from its own intelligence agencies and allied countries." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "There is evidence that it was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile," and emphasized the need for "a thorough and transparent investigation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.