US Navy Claims Responsibility for Sinking Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean

US Submarine Strikes Iranian Naval Vessel

The United States has acknowledged its involvement in the sinking of an Iranian naval warship in the Indian Ocean. The Defence Secretary revealed that a US submarine executed the attack using a torpedo. According to Pentagon officials, the submarine targeted the Iranian ship after it was deemed a potential threat amid rising tensions in the region. The torpedo strike was described as accurate, leading to the swift incapacitation of the warship.

This incident represents a notable escalation in the ongoing maritime conflict associated with the broader tensions involving Iran, the US, and its allies. While the US has characterized the strike as a defensive measure, Iran has not yet provided a comprehensive response.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the US Navy successfully targeted and sank the Islamic Republic of Iran Ship (IRIS) Dena. He stated, "In the Indian Ocean, an Iranian warship that believed it was secure in international waters was instead sunk by a torpedo."

The Iranian frigate reportedly issued a distress signal between 6 am and 7 am on Wednesday, approximately 40 nautical miles (75 km) from Galle, just outside Sri Lankan waters. Sri Lanka’s Navy intercepted the distress call and promptly sent warships and aircraft for a search and rescue operation.

At the time of the incident, around 180 crew members were believed to be aboard the IRIS Dena. So far, Sri Lankan authorities have rescued at least 32 injured sailors, with several bodies recovered, while many crew members remain unaccounted for. The rescue efforts are still underway.

Although the vessel has sunk, the precise circumstances leading to the distress signal are still unclear.