Iranian Warship IRIS Dena Destroyed in Alleged US Submarine Attack Near Sri Lanka, 87 Sailors Killed
The Iranian vessel, which had recently participated in naval events in India, was returning from exercises when it was reportedly struck in international waters.
An Iranian naval warship, IRIS Dena, was destroyed in an alleged submarine attack by the United States near the southern coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 crew members. Authorities say 32 sailors were rescued, while dozens remain missing.
According to reports, the attack took place in international waters as the vessel was returning from naval exercises. Debris, bodies and survivors were later recovered from the sea south of the Sri Lankan port city of Galle after the ship reportedly sent an emergency distress signal earlier in the day.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly described the operation as a “silent death delivered by torpedo in international waters.” The incident is being viewed as a major escalation in the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Notably, the Iranian warship had been in India just two weeks before the attack. The vessel had participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026 held in Visakhapatnam. It was formally welcomed by the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command, and Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, had inspected the fleet during the review.
The incident has triggered strong reactions on social media, where many users questioned maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Some commentators argued that if a warship that recently took part in naval events hosted by India could be targeted so close to the region, it raises concerns about who truly holds strategic control in these waters.
Social and political activist Chandra Kumar Bose also criticised the attack, saying it was shameful that an Iranian vessel operating in international waters could be targeted by a US submarine.
Meanwhile, Iran has issued a strong warning following the incident. Officials in Tehran said the United States would face “serious consequences” for the attack. Iran’s foreign minister stated that the warship had recently been a guest of the Indian Navy and warned that such actions could further destabilise regional security.
Despite several hours having passed since the incident, there has been no official statement from India, which has further intensified political and strategic debate across the region.
