1 hour ago
Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 19:36 IST
The full scale of casualties from the Iris Dena sinking remained unclear as rescue operations continued off Sri Lanka's southern coast.
The Moudge-class frigate sunk approximately 40 nautical miles off the port city of Galle.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine torpedoed and sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean- declaring it the first sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II.
“In fact, yesterday in the Indian Ocean, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo- the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II," Hegseth said, as footage of the strike was played on screen behind him.
Read more: ‘Objective Is Regime Change’: Israeli Foreign Minister Says Iran War May Be Long
He also linked the operation to a separate targeted killing, adding, “Yesterday, the leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump was hunted down and killed. Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh."
What Happened Off Sri Lanka In Indian Ocean
More than 100 people were reported missing and at least 80 killed after the Iranian naval frigate Iris Dena sent out a distress call off the coast of Sri Lanka. The Moudge-class frigate sunk approximately 40 nautical miles off the port city of Galle- just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters- when Sri Lanka scrambled ships and aircraft to rescue the 180-strong crew.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed the rescue mission to parliament, saying 30 injured sailors were being transported to a hospital in the island’s south. The main hospital in Galle, 115 kilometres from the capital Colombo, was placed on high alert. Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara said the Navy and Air Force were conducting a joint rescue operation to extract the remaining crew.
Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said the operation was in line with the country’s international obligations.
“We responded to the distress call under our international obligations, as this is within our Search and Rescue Area in the Indian Ocean," he was quoted as saying by AFP.
The sinking comes as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels attempting to transit the critical oil and gas shipping route risk missile strikes or damage from drones. Trump countered that the US Navy stood ready to escort oil tankers through the Gulf route.
First Published:
March 04, 2026, 15:41 IST
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