US Torpedo Attack Sinks Iranian Warship IRIS Dena Near Sri Lanka, Iran Warns Washington Will Regret Strike

Tensions in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict escalated sharply after an American submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. Iranian officials strongly condemned the strike, calling it an “atrocity at sea” and warning that the United States would face consequences for attacking the vessel without warning.

According to Iranian authorities, the frigate had recently taken part in a naval engagement with the Indian Navy and was carrying around 130 sailors at the time of the incident. Tehran claims the attack occurred in international waters while the ship was returning from its visit to India.

The sinking of the warship marks a major development in the rapidly expanding regional conflict, which has already drawn multiple countries into rising military tensions.

Iranian Government Reacts Strongly

Iran’s foreign minister stated that the attack represented a dangerous escalation and accused the United States of targeting the vessel without issuing any prior warning. He described the incident as a violation of international maritime norms and said the precedent set by the strike would have serious consequences.

Iranian officials emphasized that the ship was operating far from Iran’s shores and had recently been involved in international naval activities. They argued that attacking such a vessel could further destabilize global maritime security.

The Iranian government also warned that Washington would “bitterly regret” the decision, suggesting that the incident could trigger further retaliation in the already volatile region.

Warship Targeted in the Indian Ocean

Military reports indicate that the frigate was struck by a torpedo fired from a US submarine in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The attack caused a massive explosion that severely damaged the rear section of the ship before it eventually sank.

The vessel had been returning from the MILAN international naval exercise and the International Fleet Review held in Visakhapatnam, India. The multinational exercise involved several navies from around the world and focused on maritime cooperation and security.

Video footage released by US authorities reportedly showed the moment of the strike. The warship was seen moving through calm waters before a sudden explosion erupted near the stern, sending water, debris, and flames into the air.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Initial reports suggest that dozens of sailors may have died in the attack. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately after the ship transmitted a distress signal.

The Sri Lankan Navy quickly responded and managed to rescue several sailors from the sea. Survivors were taken to a hospital in the southern city of Galle for treatment. Rescue teams also recovered bodies from the water while continuing to search for missing crew members.

Authorities say that dozens of sailors remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the final casualty toll could be much higher.

Conflict Expands Across the Region

The naval strike comes amid a broader escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The conflict intensified after major airstrikes targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure earlier in the crisis.

Since then, Iran has launched drones and missiles across several locations in the region, including areas hosting foreign military bases. The widening conflict has increased fears of a prolonged regional war affecting global energy routes and security.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have reportedly carried out additional strikes inside Iran, while Iranian air defenses claim to have intercepted enemy drones over several provinces.

The attack on the IRIS Dena is being viewed by analysts as one of the most dramatic naval incidents of the conflict so far. It is also notable because it represents the first time in decades that an American submarine has sunk an enemy warship using a torpedo.

With tensions continuing to rise, global leaders are closely watching the situation as the conflict threatens to spread beyond the Middle East into surrounding maritime regions.