US Urges Sri Lanka to Detain Iranian Sailors Amid Tensions

A recent internal cable from the US State Department reveals that the United States is urging Sri Lanka to detain Iranian sailors instead of returning them to Iran. This comes after a tragic incident involving the IRIS Dena, which was struck by a US submarine, resulting in numerous casualties. The situation has placed Sri Lanka in a delicate position, balancing humanitarian responsibilities with external pressures. The cable also raises questions about potential defection discussions with the sailors. Read on to explore the complexities of this diplomatic situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 04:05 IST

US Pressure on Sri Lanka Regarding Iranian Sailors

A confidential cable from the State Department, dated March 6 and acquired by Reuters, indicates that the United States is urging Sri Lanka to retain Iranian sailors in custody instead of returning them to Iran. Jayne Howell, the US charge d'affaires at the embassy in Colombo, has advised Sri Lankan officials against repatriating the 32 survivors from the wreck of the IRIS Dena and the crew of another Iranian ship, the IRIS Booshehr, which is currently docked in Sri Lankan waters. The cable explicitly stated that Sri Lanka should limit Iranian efforts to utilize the detainees for propaganda purposes. Howell also communicated to Israel's ambassador to India and Sri Lanka that there were no intentions to send the crew back to Iran. Additionally, the cable raised a provocative question about whether there had been any discussions with the sailors to promote "defection."

Incident Involving the IRIS Dena

The IRIS Dena was struck by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, approximately 19 nautical miles from Galle, a southern port city in Sri Lanka. The incident resulted in numerous fatalities among the sailors, with only 32 surviving. The vessel had recently participated in naval exercises conducted by India in the Bay of Bengal and was returning to Iran when it was hit by a torpedo. An anonymous US official confirmed to Reuters that the ship was armed and that no warning was issued prior to the attack. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the incident as a "quiet death." Iran has requested Sri Lanka's assistance in repatriating the bodies of those who perished aboard the Dena, although no specific timeline has been established, according to Hansaka Wijemuni, Sri Lanka's deputy minister for health and mass media.

Additional Context

The IRIS Booshehr, a naval auxiliary ship, is currently located within Sri Lanka's exclusive economic zone but outside its territorial waters. On Thursday, Sri Lankan authorities began the process of offloading its 208 crew members. By Friday, the ship was escorted to an eastern harbor, and most of its crew were relocated to a naval camp near Colombo. The State Department cable indicated that the Booshehr would remain under Sri Lankan custody for the duration of the ongoing conflict. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the country has a "humanitarian responsibility" to care for the crew. However, Sri Lanka finds itself in a challenging position, as its approach to the situation is framed in humanitarian terms, while the cable reveals pressure from Washington.