Iran Condemns US for Sinking of IRIS Dena in Indian Ocean

Iran's Strong Response to US Naval Attack

Tehran, March 5: Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Aragchi, has vehemently criticized the United States for its recent attack that led to the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. He labeled the incident as an "atrocity at sea" and cautioned that the US would "deeply regret" establishing such a dangerous precedent.

Aragchi noted that the frigate had recently engaged with the Indian Navy and was carrying approximately 130 sailors at the time of the assault. He accused the US of executing a surprise strike in waters far removed from Iranian territory.

"The US has committed an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles from Iran's shores. The Dena, a guest of India's Navy with nearly 130 sailors aboard, was attacked in international waters without any warning. The US will come to bitterly regret this precedent," the Iranian Foreign Minister stated on X.

This statement followed the sinking of the IRIS Dena by an American submarine, marking a significant event as it was the first instance since World War II that the US has sunk an enemy vessel using a submarine-launched torpedo.

The frigate, which is relatively small, was returning from naval exercises in India when it was targeted. The IRIS Dena had participated in the Milan International Fleet Review in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25, where it was received warmly by the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy had shared a message on X, stating, "Indian Navy welcomes IRIS Dena, of the Iranian Navy, on her arrival at Visakhapatnam... reflecting long-standing cultural links between the two nations."

This multinational naval exercise included participation from around 74 countries, although the United States opted out. The US Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney was initially set to join but withdrew shortly before the event commenced. The exercise concluded on February 25.

Reports indicate that the IRIS Dena had left Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and was on its way back when it was attacked in international waters near Sri Lanka's southern coast on March 4.

US officials have not denied their involvement in the attack, openly confirming the sinking of the Iranian ship. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked, "An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that believed it was secure in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death."

In the aftermath of the attack, rescue operations were initiated in the vicinity. The Sri Lankan Navy has successfully rescued around 30 sailors from the IRIS Dena, who were subsequently taken to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle for medical care.

This incident has escalated tensions in the region, which is already fraught with conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel.

The current hostilities began on February 28, when the US and Israel executed coordinated strikes against Iran, targeting its missile stockpiles and nuclear facilities, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.