Authoritative sources have clarified that the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena was not under Indian protection at the time of its sinking and had not sought any assistance from the Indian Navy after leaving Indian shores.
While Iranian officials reportedly described the warship as a “guest of the Indian Navy,” sources confirmed that the vessel’s official engagement with India concluded on February 25, following its participation in the International Fleet Review 2026 held in Visakhapatnam from February 16 to February 25.
Ship Left Indian Waters Before Conflict Escalation
The timeline indicates that the US-Israeli military action against Iran began on February 28—three days after the ship had departed Indian waters. Officials stated that once the vessel exited Indian territorial waters, it was operating in international waters and was no longer under any form of Indian hosting or engagement.
Sources further confirmed that IRIS Dena did not request any assistance from India after the outbreak of hostilities.
Sunk by US Submarine in International Waters
According to reports, the frigate was struck in international waters on March 4 by a Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine of the United States Navy.
Sri Lankan authorities said at least 87 sailors were killed in the incident, while 32 survivors were rescued and transported to a hospital in Galle. Search and rescue operations remain underway for several crew members still reported missing.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The sinking has further intensified hostilities across the Middle East. Following the incident, Iran reportedly launched fresh attacks targeting Israeli and US bases in the region. Meanwhile, Israel announced that it had initiated a “large-scale” wave of strikes aimed at Tehran.
The incident marks a sharp escalation in maritime and regional conflict, raising concerns over broader instability and potential spillover effects in international waters.
