Global leaders demand probe after Iran’s admission that passenger plane was shot down in error

Iran must allow an ­independent investigation and prosecute those responsible for downing a passenger plane, world leaders said yesterday.

Iran’s leaders had earlier admitted it had shot down the Boeing 737, ­killing all 176 on board, by mistake.

Victims included ­dozens of Iranians and Canadians, as well as nationals from Ukraine, the UK, Afghanistan and Germany.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have demanded answers.

Protestors in Iran have called on the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to resign.

The plane was shot down after it took off from Tehran on Wednesday, amid heightened tensions stemming from the US air strike that killed Iran’s top general, Qassim Soleimani.

Hours earlier Iran had carried out retaliatory missile strikes on airbases housing US forces in Iraq and it is thought Iranian air defences were primed for the US to strike back.

Boris Johnson said Iran’s ­admission of responsibility was “an important first step” and vowed to ensure the families of four British victims get answers. He added: “We now need a ­comprehensive, transparent and independent international investigation and the repatriation of those who died. The UK will work closely with Canada, Ukraine and our other international partners affected by this accident to ensure this happens.

“This tragic accident only ­reinforces the importance of ­de-escalating tensions in the region.”

In a statement yesterday, Justin Trudeau he said: “Our focus remains closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the families and loved ones of the victims. This is a national tragedy, and all Canadians are mourning together.

“The Canadian government expects full co-operation from Iranian authorities.”

The Queen said her thoughts and prayers were with Canada. In a message to the Governor-General of Canada, the Queen said: “Philip and I have been deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life following the crash of the Ukrainian Airlines aircraft in Iran.” Ukraine’s president said Iran must take further steps, including an official apology, following the admission that it was responsible.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that his country expected “assurances” from Iran of a “full and open investigation, bringing the perpetrators to justice”.

He added that Ukraine expected the “paying of compensation” and “official apologies through diplomatic channels”.

He also expressed hope for the continuation of the crash investigation without delay. A team of Ukrainian investigators is already in Iran.

The Iranian missile operator who shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet thought he had seconds to take out an incoming American missile after his communications jammed, it has been claimed.

Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace commander, said the operator had mistaken the Boeing 737 for a US cruise missile responding to Iranian ballistic missile attacks.

Iran initially denied any involvement in the crash and blamed engine failure.

Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Hamid Baeidinejad, apologised for sharing “wrong findings”.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his “deep sympathy” to the families of the 176 victims, and called on the armed forces to “pursue probable shortcomings and guilt in the painful incident”.