U.S. Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship in International Waters

A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The attack resulted in at least 87 deaths and the rescue of 32 sailors by the Sri Lankan navy.

The sinking was confirmed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon news briefing. He described the incident as "a quiet death" and noted that it is one of the few instances of a submarine sinking a ship since World War II. The IRIS Dena, which had been participating in naval exercises hosted by India before heading home, was identified as Iran's newest warship equipped with heavy guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.

Sri Lanka’s navy responded to a distress signal from the IRIS Dena but found no sign of the ship upon arrival. "We found people floating on the water," said navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath. The rescued sailors were taken to a hospital in Galle, while bodies recovered were brought to land.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack as an "atrocity at sea" and warned that the U.S. would "come to bitterly regret" the precedent set by the strike. The incident underscores the escalating U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, which has seen multiple Iranian naval vessels sunk in recent days.

The sinking of the IRIS Dena marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. It also raises questions about the broader implications for regional security and international law as the war continues to spread beyond its borders.

Sri Lanka has taken control of another Iranian naval vessel, Irins Bushehr, after it requested to dock due to an engine malfunction. The ship was allowed to dock at a north-eastern port in Trincomalee following discussions with Sri Lankan authorities. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the country's neutrality and commitment to humanitarian values.

The Irins Bushehr had 208 crew members on board, including officers, cadet officers, senior sailors, and sailors. The crew will be brought to Colombo for further arrangements. Sri Lanka maintains strong economic and diplomatic ties with both Iran and the U.S., adding complexity to its neutrality stance.

Sri Lankan authorities are still searching for missing crew members of the IRIS Dena. The 32 survivors from the IRIS Dena are being treated at a hospital in Galle for serious injuries.