US Submarine Torpedoes Iranian 'Prize Ship' in International Waters
In a dramatic escalation of maritime hostilities, a United States submarine has sunk the Iranian warship Iris Dena in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Sri Lanka. The incident, which occurred in international waters, was confirmed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon news briefing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Hegseth described the vessel as Iran's "prize ship," highlighting its strategic importance to the Islamic Republic's naval forces.
Details of the Sinking and Casualties
The attack resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 80 personnel killed and dozens more injured, according to U.S. Central Command. The Iris Dena, a Moudge-class frigate, was one of Iran's newest and most advanced warships, equipped with heavy guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and a helicopter. It was patrolling in deep water when it was struck by a torpedo from the American submarine, which Hegseth stated had targeted the vessel after it was deemed a threat.
Historical Context and Iranian Naval Operations
The Iris Dena had previously served as the centerpiece of a two-ship international tour in 2023, visiting ports in countries such as South Africa and Brazil, accompanied by the support ship IRIS Makran, a converted oil tanker. This tour was part of Iran's efforts to project naval power globally. Since the onset of the conflict, the U.S. has now struck or sunk a total of 20 Iranian vessels, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.
The sinking of the Iris Dena marks a critical moment in the war, raising concerns about further escalations and the impact on international maritime security. Analysts suggest that this action could prompt retaliatory measures from Iran, potentially destabilizing the already volatile situation in the Indian Ocean and surrounding areas.
