Iranian Naval Ship IRIS Lavan Docks in Kochi Following US Attack on IRIS Dena
IRIS Lavan Arrives in Kochi
The Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, arrived at Kochi in Kerala on Wednesday, just one day after the United States sank the IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, as reported by various sources citing unnamed officials.
Iran had sought permission from India to dock the IRIS Lavan on February 28 due to technical difficulties, which was granted the following day, leading to its docking in Kochi.
The ship's crew of 183 members has been provided accommodation at naval facilities in Kochi, according to reports.
Similar to the IRIS Dena, which was attacked by the US, IRIS Lavan participated in the International Fleet Review held in Vishakhapatnam from February 15 to February 25, where it was docked alongside vessels from various nations.
Tensions Rise Following US Attack
On February 28, Israel and the US initiated a joint operation aimed at diminishing the capabilities of the Iranian government.
Israel has alleged that Iran is nearing the acquisition of nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
In retaliation, Iran targeted US military bases and Israeli interests in the region, as well as major cities in neighboring Gulf countries.
On Tuesday, the IRIS Dena, which had a crew capacity of 180, was torpedoed by a US submarine in international waters, resulting in at least 87 fatalities and 61 individuals reported missing. The Sri Lankan Navy managed to rescue 32 crew members.
The US Department of War confirmed the attack on Wednesday and subsequently released footage showing the torpedo strike on the Iranian frigate, which caused a significant explosion.
Iran's Response and India's Role
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the IRIS Dena was a guest of the Indian Navy and condemned the attack as unprovoked, warning that the US would regret its actions.
As of now, New Delhi has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
The Indian Navy reported that it promptly initiated search and rescue operations upon receiving information from Sri Lanka about the sinking of the Iranian warship.
On the same day, the Sri Lankan government announced efforts to protect another Iranian vessel near its maritime boundary, although it remains unclear if that ship had issued a distress signal.
Following the attack on IRIS Dena, Congress leader Pawan Khera raised concerns about India's influence in the region, questioning whether it had been ceded to the US and Israel.