A US submarine has torpedoed and sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka, with the Pentagon confirming at least 80 fatalities in a major international incident. The Iranian vessel, identified as the IRIS Dena, was returning to Iran from a port in eastern India when it was struck by the American attack.
Pentagon Confirms Sinking of Iranian Warship
During a media briefing at the Pentagon, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the US military had sunk "an Iranian warship" in the Indian Ocean using a torpedo. While Hegseth did not name the specific ship, this announcement follows earlier reports from the Sri Lankan navy regarding the incident.
Rescue Efforts and Missing Personnel
The Sri Lankan navy confirmed it rescued 32 people after receiving a distress call from the Iranian IRIS Dena. According to initial reports, approximately 140 personnel remain missing following the sinking, with the death toll expected to rise as search operations continue in the region.
The US submarine's attack represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, occurring in international waters near Sri Lanka. The Iranian warship was reportedly on a routine transit mission from eastern India back to Iran when it was targeted by the American vessel.
This developing story continues to unfold as both nations assess the situation and potential diplomatic repercussions. The incident marks one of the most serious naval confrontations between the US and Iran in recent years, with immediate concerns focused on the fate of the missing crew members and the broader implications for regional stability.
