United States submarine forces have sunk an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a strike that significantly escalates the naval dimension of the ongoing U.S.–Iran confrontation.
Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister said at least 80 crew members were killed in the attack on the frigate identified as IRIS Dena, which was reportedly returning to Iran after participating in a naval exercise in the region.
Addressing a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth confirmed that the Iranian vessel was struck by a torpedo fired from a U.S. submarine while operating in international waters.
“An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” he said. “Instead, it was hit by a torpedo — a quiet and lethal strike.”
Sri Lankan authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was launched after the vessel sent out a distress signal. The country’s navy reported rescuing 32 survivors, who were transported to a hospital in the southern port city of Galle.
Officials indicated that approximately 180 personnel were believed to be aboard the ship at the time of the attack.
Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath stated that rescue teams arriving at the site observed only an oil slick on the water surface. He added that the sinking occurred outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, though Colombo remained committed to supporting recovery efforts.
“We are hopeful that more survivors may be rescued, and operations will continue until we are certain no one else can be saved,” he said.
The frigate was returning from participation in the multinational ‘Milan’ naval exercise hosted by India in the Bay of Bengal, where it had joined other regional navies in the maritime drill.
The incident marks a dramatic escalation in global military tensions as the confrontation between the United States and Iran continues following recent airstrikes and retaliatory missile and drone operations across the Gulf region.
About the Author
