U.S. submarine sinks Iranian warship in Indian Ocean with torpedo
A U.S. submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka's coast, killing at least 80 crew members. The Pentagon released video of the attack, marking the first such sinking since World War II.
9 hrs ago
A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, significantly expanding the scope of military operations between the United States and Iran.
The Iranian frigate Iris Dena sank in international waters approximately 40 kilometers south of Galle, a southern port in Sri Lanka. The vessel had approximately 180 crew members aboard at the time of the attack, according to Sri Lankan officials.
The Sri Lankan government reported that more than 80 bodies were recovered following the sinking. Sri Lankan media said the country's navy and air force launched search and rescue operations after receiving a distress signal from the warship. Some crew members were rescued during recovery efforts, though dozens remain unaccounted for.
The U.S. Department of Defense released photographs and video footage purporting to show the Iranian warship being struck by the torpedo. Hegseth stated that this marked the first time since World War II that the United States has sunk an enemy ship using a torpedo.
Prior to the attack, the Iranian vessel had participated in a fleet review conducted in India, according to reports.
The sinking occurs amid broader military escalation in the region. Israel has launched new attacks against Iran and Lebanon, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to block one of the world's most vital shipping routes through which approximately one-fifth of global crude oil transits. President Donald Trump claimed that U.S. naval units have systematically neutralized Tehran's navy and air force, and stated that American naval forces are prepared to escort tankers to ensure continuity of energy flows.
The attack also comes amid uncertainty over Iran's leadership succession following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran was preparing to hold a lengthy funeral ceremony, though the timing was postponed. Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old second son of the deceased leader, has secured appointment as supreme leader, according to reports. Within Iran, divisions exist between hardline supporters and other factions regarding the country's direction.
Tehran has faced continuous daily bombardments, with strikes targeting both the capital and the western part of the country where Revolutionary Guards have rebuilt and established new bases, including surveillance centers, intelligence facilities, and launch platforms.