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 reported that an American submarine had sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. According to his account, the vessel was destroyed by a torpedo on Tuesday, with the incident described as a “quiet death.” While he did not specify the ship’s name, the revelation followed Sri Lankan authorities confirming their navy had answered a distress signal from an Iranian ship, the Iris Dena, which sank approximately 40 kilometers from the nation’s southern shoreline.
Sri Lankan defense officials stated that 80 bodies were recovered from the ship, while 32 survivors were rescued. A navy spokesperson noted that around 180 individuals were likely aboard the Iris Dena, based on its records. The injured survivors were transported to Galle’s hospital, as shared by Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath. Hegseth emphasized that the Iranian ship had believed itself safe in international waters before being struck.
“This is the first time since World War Two that an enemy vessel has been sunk by a torpedo,” Hegseth claimed during a press briefing. However, he acknowledged that the UK and Pakistan had previously executed similar actions.
Video released by the US Department of Defense depicts the ship being hit, with its stern lifting before an explosion. Earlier, Sri Lankan navy spokesman Budhika Sampath disputed reports of a submarine attack, noting that rescuers had not spotted the vessel or any other ships in the area at the time. Instead, they observed oil slicks and life rafts on the surface.
The Iris Dena, a destroyer commissioned in 2015, is 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 led by India. The sinking occurs amid escalating tensions, as the US and Israel have launched air strikes on Iran for the fifth consecutive day.
Israeli forces stated they targeted “security headquarters” in Tehran on Wednesday. Simultaneously, attacks were reported in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Turkey also confirmed that NATO defenses intercepted an Iranian missile aimed at its territory. Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance, urging all parties to exercise “restraint and immediate de-escalation.”
Following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini on Saturday, Herath expressed condolences. A government representative later announced that Sri Lanka would formally mourn all casualties from the conflict, including Iranian officials.