Iran – Tehran Condemns US Submarine Strike That Sank IRIS Dena Near Sri Lanka
Iran – Iran has strongly condemned the attack on its naval frigate IRIS Dena, which sank in waters south of Sri Lanka earlier this month after reportedly being struck by a torpedo launched from a United States submarine. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Tehran and raised concerns about growing instability across the wider West Asian region.
Iran Pays Tribute to Sailors Lost in the Attack
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Tuesday paid tribute to the sailors who lost their lives when the vessel went down on March 4. In a public statement posted on social media, Baqaei described the strike as a grave act that violated international norms and humanitarian law.
According to the spokesperson, the Iranian frigate had been operating far from its homeland when it was attacked. Baqaei said the ship had received an official invitation from the Indian Navy to participate in a joint naval exercise and port visit, making the incident particularly alarming from Tehran’s perspective.
He stated that the Iranian government views the attack as a war crime and stressed that the country would not forget what it considers a deliberate act of aggression.
Allegations of Obstruction During Rescue Operations
In his statement, Baqaei also alleged that the United States obstructed attempts to rescue the crew members following the attack. He argued that such actions violated several international legal frameworks governing maritime warfare.
Iran claims the incident falls under the definition of aggression outlined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314. Tehran also cited provisions of the Second Geneva Convention of 1949 and Additional Protocol I of 1977, which regulate the treatment and protection of naval personnel during armed conflict.
The spokesperson said the Iranian public would neither forget nor forgive what he described as a “heinous crime” committed against its naval forces.
Search and Rescue Efforts Led by Sri Lanka and India
The Iranian warship reportedly sank about 20 nautical miles west of the Sri Lankan city of Galle after sustaining severe damage from the torpedo strike. At the time of the incident, around 180 sailors were believed to be aboard the vessel.
Following the sinking, Sri Lankan authorities launched search and rescue operations in nearby waters. The Indian Navy also joined the effort by deploying several assets, including naval vessels INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft such as the P-8I.
Despite the rescue attempts, the incident resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that around 87 sailors lost their lives, while roughly 32 survivors were recovered by the Sri Lanka Navy and transported to hospitals in Galle for treatment.
Iran Monitoring Situation After Maritime Tragedy
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Tehran is carefully monitoring developments related to the sinking of IRIS Dena. In an interview, the envoy stated that Iranian authorities are working to understand the full circumstances surrounding the incident while also focusing on the condition and safety of surviving crew members.
According to the ambassador, the Iranian government continues to review various aspects of the event and remains in contact with relevant authorities involved in the rescue operations.
Incident Adds to Rising Tensions in West Asia
The sinking of the Iranian frigate comes amid an already volatile security environment in West Asia. Regional tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with military activity spreading beyond Iran’s borders.
Iran has reportedly carried out retaliatory operations using missiles and drones targeting United States military facilities, diplomatic sites, and energy infrastructure across several Gulf countries. Locations affected include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
These developments have heightened fears of a broader regional confrontation that could further destabilize maritime routes and strategic areas across the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.