A United States submarine has sunk an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, ing at least 87 sailors and leaving dozens more missing, according to officials. The incident marks a dramatic escalation in tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike in Washington, stating that an American submarine targeted the Iranian vessel while it was in international waters. He described the as a decisive move, calling it a quiet death delivered by torpedo. According to Hegseth, it is the first time since World War II that the United States has sunk an enemy ship using a torpedo.
The Sri Lankan navy reported that 87 bos were recovered from waters near the southern city of Galle, while 61 sailors remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Authorities said 32 sailors were rescued alive, many of them wounded, and are currently receiving treatment in Galle.
The sunken vessel was identified as the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. The warship had reportedly been returning from a military exercise in India’s eastern port city of Visakhapatnam when it issued a distress call at dawn. By the time rescue teams arrived, the ship had completely submerged, leaving only an oil slick on the ocean surface.
Sri Lankan officials emphasized that their response was in line with international maritime obligations, noting that the incident occurred within their designated search and rescue zone in the Indian Ocean. The government of Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance in the broader Middle East conflict and has repeatedly called for dialogue and restraint.
Iran has not yet issued an official response regarding the sinking. Security has been tightened around medical facilities in Galle where injured sailors are being treated.
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