Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated sharply after Iran accused an American submarine of sinking its naval frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned Washington, calling the strike an “atrocity” and warning that the United States would face “bitter consequences” for the attack. He claimed the ship was operating as a guest of the Indian Navy and described the incident as a direct act of aggression.
US Confirms Submarine Strike
According to US defence officials, the Iranian warship was hit by a single Mk-48 torpedo fired from a US Navy fast-attack submarine. The vessel was reportedly sailing in international waters near India, nearly 2,000 miles from Iran, when it was struck.
The United States Department of Defense confirmed the operation, stating that this marked the first time since World War II that an American submarine had sunk a surface warship.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a Pentagon briefing, said the Iranian ship “believed it was operating safely in international waters” before it was destroyed. He described the strike as a significant military action.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, also known by his call sign “Razin,” confirmed that an unnamed fast-attack submarine carried out the mission.
Historic Naval Moment
Military analysts have compared the incident to the sinking of the Argentine cruiser during the 1982 Falklands War. In that conflict, the British submarine HMS Conqueror sank the Argentine cruiser ARA General Belgrano, marking one of the most notable submarine strikes in modern naval history.
The US has not sunk a foreign surface warship in combat since World War II, making this development historically significant.
Rescue Operation Underway
Following the distress call from the sinking frigate, the Sri Lanka Navy launched an emergency rescue operation in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that naval ships and air force aircraft were deployed early in the morning to search for survivors.
Officials said the frigate had approximately 180 people on board at the time of the strike. So far, Sri Lankan authorities have recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 sailors from the sea, while search efforts continue.
Iran Calls It an “Act of Aggression”
Iranian authorities described IRIS Dena as one of their “prize ships” and denounced the US action as a deliberate provocation. Tehran has not yet announced what form its response might take, but officials have signaled that the matter will not go unanswered.
With both nations issuing strong statements, the sinking of IRIS Dena could mark a dangerous new phase in US-Iran tensions, especially given the incident’s proximity to India and major international shipping routes.
