Iran admits shooting down Ukrainian Jetliner; calls it Human Error

Iranian military in a statement on state TV said that the country ‘unintentionally’ shot down a Ukrainian aircraft, killing all 176 aboard.

Iran admitted that its military made an unforgivable mistake in unintentionally shooting down a Ukrainian jetliner, after days of rejecting reports that pointed to Tehran being responsible.

The statement came on Saturday morning, blaming human error because of what it called the plane’s sharp, unexpected turn toward a sensitive military base.

Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in a tweet said, “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,” Zarif tweeted.

Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian president said, “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.”

“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 added.