A United States submarine has sunk the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean using a single torpedo, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between United States and Iran.
According to reports from international news agencies, at least 80 people were killed in the attack, while Sri Lankan authorities later said 87 bodies were recovered and 32 sailors rescued after the vessel sank near the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Warship Returning After India Event
The Iranian naval vessel had reportedly been returning from the International Fleet Review 2026 held in Visakhapatnam, India, when it was attacked in international waters off Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s navy said it launched rescue operations after receiving a distress signal from the ship, which reportedly had around 180 personnel on board.
US Confirms Torpedo Strike
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, stating that a US submarine sank the Iranian warship with a torpedo.
Military officials said the submarine used a Mark 48 Torpedo, a powerful heavyweight torpedo typically deployed by US Navy attack submarines.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the vessel was destroyed with a single torpedo strike.
One of Iran’s Newest Warships
The IRIS Dena was among the newer vessels in Iran’s naval fleet and was equipped with:
Heavy naval guns
Surface-to-air missile systems
Anti-ship missiles
Torpedoes
A helicopter deck
US military officials said the vessel was considered a significant asset in Iran’s navy.
Rising Regional Tensions
The sinking of the Iranian warship highlights how the conflict involving Iran, the United States and regional allies is expanding beyond the Middle East into broader international waters.
US officials say the strike demonstrates the reach of American naval power as operations against Iranian military infrastructure continue.
Meanwhile, rescue operations near Sri Lanka’s southern coast continued as authorities attempted to account for those onboard the ship.
