An Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Dena, was reportedly attacked and sunk by the United States off the coast of Sri Lanka on Tuesday, leaving at least 87 crew members dead and several others missing, according to emerging reports.
The warship had a total of 180 personnel on board at the time of the incident. Sri Lankan authorities confirmed that 30 crew members have been rescued so far, while search and rescue operations continue amid fears that the death toll could rise further.
U.S. Confirms Strike on Iranian Vessel
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that American forces attacked and sank the Iranian warship. The vessel was reportedly targeted while sailing close to Sri Lanka’s coastline.
Sources indicate that the ship was returning after participating in a joint naval exercise in India when it came under attack. Officials claim the vessel was struck by a torpedo, in what is being described as the first such direct naval sinking involving a state actor since the Second World War.
The incident has significantly heightened tensions in the region and raised concerns over maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
Large-Scale Rescue Operations Ongoing
The Sri Lankan Navy has deployed multiple vessels, while Air Force aircraft have been pressed into service to support the ongoing rescue mission. Search teams are scanning surrounding waters to locate missing crew members.
Authorities have not yet released a final casualty count, and operations remain active as officials work to assess the full scale of the tragedy.
The sinking of the Iranian warship near Sri Lanka marks a serious escalation with potential geopolitical implications, particularly amid rising global tensions involving Iran and the United States.
