In a significant escalation of maritime hostilities, a United States submarine has sunk the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. The incident marks the first time the U.S. Navy has sunk an enemy vessel with a torpedo since World War II, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Sri Lankan Navy, launching a massive search-and-rescue operation, confirmed on Wednesday that it has recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 survivors from the site of the sinking.
The Incident and Rescue Efforts
The IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate and a “prize ship” of the Iranian Navy, was carrying approximately 180 personnel at the time of the attack. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, informed Parliament that the island nation deployed naval ships and Air Force planes immediately upon receiving distress signals.
- Scene of the Strike: Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath reported that by the time rescuers arrived, the ship had vanished, leaving only “oil patches and life rafts” with survivors floating in the debris.
- Casualties: Of the 32 rescued, one remains in critical condition. Most survivors are being treated at a hospital in the southern seaside town of Galle.
- Context of War: U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper of Central Command noted that at least 17 Iranian naval vessels have been sunk during the ongoing conflict.
Strategic Significance: A Historic Torpedo Strike
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the gravity of the engagement during a Pentagon briefing, noting the rare use of submarine-launched torpedoes in modern warfare.
The IRIS Dena was one of Iran’s most modern warships, equipped with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship weaponry, and a helicopter deck. It had recently gained international attention during a 2023 global tour with port calls in South Africa and Brazil.
“It was the first sinking of an enemy ship with a torpedo by the US since World War II,” Hegseth stated, underscoring the shift in naval engagement rules.
Background: Sanctions and Conflict
The IRIS Dena and its support ship, the IRIS Makran, were previously designated for sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department in February 2023. These sanctions were linked to Iranian drone manufacturers supplying weapons to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
| Vessel Details | IRIS Dena |
| Class | Moudge-class Frigate |
| Armament | Missiles, Torpedoes, Heavy Guns |
| Status | Sunk (Indian Ocean) |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 87 (Search ongoing) |