Iranian warship sank by US sub in Indian Ocean, Hegseth says
Iranian Warship Sunk by US Sub in Indian Ocean, Hegseth Says
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed an Iranian warship was sunk by a submarine in the Indian Ocean, stating the vessel was destroyed by a torpedo on Tuesday. He referred to the event as a “quiet death,” without disclosing the ship’s name. This announcement followed reports from Sri Lankan authorities that their navy had received a distress signal from an Iranian vessel, later identified as the *Iris Dena*, which sank approximately 40 kilometers from the southern coast.
Sri Lanka’s defense official reported that 80 bodies were recovered from the *Iris Dena* by rescue teams, while 32 survivors were brought to safety. A navy spokesperson estimated around 180 individuals were on board the ship, based on its records. The survivors, described as “seriously injured,” were transported to a hospital in Galle, a southern port city. Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath highlighted the international obligations prompting Sri Lanka’s response.
“It was within our search and rescue region,” said Budhika Sampath, a Sri Lankan navy representative, adding that the vessel was “beyond our waters” but still required attention. He initially dismissed reports of a submarine attack, noting that rescuers had observed oil slicks and life rafts but not the ship itself or other vessels in the area.
Hegseth emphasized that the *Iris Dena* “believed it was safe in international waters” before being targeted. He asserted this was “the first time since World War Two an enemy ship was sunk by a torpedo.” However, the UK and Pakistan have previously used torpedoes to sink vessels in the region. A video from the US Department of Defense shows the ship struck, with its stern rising before an explosion.
The *Iris Dena*, launched in 2015, was part of Iran’s Southern Fleet, responsible for operations in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. It had recently joined International Fleet Review 2026, a military exercise in India. Meanwhile, the US and Israel continued air strikes on Iran for a fifth consecutive day, with Israeli forces targeting “security headquarters” in Tehran. Attacks on Lebanon and ground operations in southern regions also intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Israel.
Iran retaliated with new strikes in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on Wednesday. Turkey reported that “Nato defenses” intercepted an Iranian missile heading toward its territory. Sri Lanka, maintaining neutrality, urged “restraint and immediate de-escalation” from all parties. Herath expressed condolences for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini, following his assassination on Saturday. A government spokesperson confirmed Sri Lanka would issue a formal statement honoring all casualties, including Iranian officials.
