An Iranian naval frigate, IRIS Dena, has sunk after a torpedo strike in what officials say is the first time a United States submarine has sunk an enemy vessel since the World War II.
The warship exploded and sank about 25 miles off the coast of Sri Lanka. Footage released by the United States Department of War shows a large explosion tearing through part of the ship as the torpedo struck. The vessel was heavily armed, equipped with heavy guns, missiles, torpedoes and the capacity to carry helicopters.
Sri Lankan authorities launched a rescue mission after receiving distress signals from the vessel. According to officials, 32 sailors were rescued from the water, with one in critical condition and seven others receiving emergency medical treatment. However, more than 100 crew members remain missing.
Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister told local broadcasters that at least 80 people were killed in the attack. Pete Hegseth described the strike as a major milestone in the ongoing conflict.
“In the Indian Ocean—an American submarine sunk an Iranian warship, that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo—Quiet Death.
“The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War 2. Like in that war—back when we were still the War Department—we are fighting to win.” The IRIS Dena had reportedly been returning to Iran after taking part in a joint naval exercise off India’s eastern coast.
Earlier, the United States military said it had already destroyed 17 Iranian vessels since the start of the conflict and indicated its objective was to sink “the entire navy.” The sinking comes as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei during joint US–Israel strikes.
Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks across the region, targeting American military installations and diplomatic facilities in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.
In Dubai, authorities confirmed that a drone strike near the United States Consulate Dubai caused a fire in a nearby parking area but did not result in injuries.
Marco Rubio said the drone struck a car park adjacent to the chancery building. He said;
“As I came in, I also saw the media reports about Dubai’s consulate. The last update I had was that a drone unfortunately struck a parking lot adjacent to the Chancery building, and then set off a fire in that place. All personnel are accounted for. As you’re aware, we began drawing down personnel from our diplomatic facilities in advance of this.”
