America’s Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed a U.S. submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean’s international waters, marking what he described as a landmark naval victory.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Hegseth explained that the attack unfolded on Tuesday, with the vessel succumbing to a torpedo strike in what he called a “quiet death.” He emphasised the target’s misplaced confidence, noting it “thought it was safe in international waters,” and proclaimed the feat “the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War Two.”
The announcement dovetailed with a rescue operation off Sri Lanka, where naval forces responded to a distress call from the Iranian destroyer Iris Dena, positioned roughly 40km (25 miles) from the southern coast.
Teams recovered 80 bodies, as a defence official informed BBC Sinhala, while saving 32 others from an estimated 180 aboard, per ship documents. Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath stated the survivors were “seriously injured” and receiving care in Galle hospital. U.S. Department of Defense video showed the stern rising before a massive explosion.
Sri Lanka’s navy spokesperson Budhika Sampath initially denied a submarine attack, reporting only oil slicks and life rafts during the search. Though outside territorial seas, the site fell within their rescue remit: “it was within our search and rescue region. So we were obliged to respond as per international obligations.”
Launched in 2015, the Moudge-class Iris Dena served Iran’s Southern Fleet in key areas like the Strait of Hormuz. It had recently featured in India’s International Fleet Review 2026 multinational exercise.
The sinking intensifies a broader conflict, with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes pounding Iran for five days, including Tehran’s security sites. Israel has struck Lebanon and deployed southern troops against Hezbollah assaults, while Iran retaliates in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and towards Turkey—where NATO downed a missile.
Sri Lanka remains neutral, urging restraint; Herath mourned Ayatollah Khamenei’s assassination, with official condolences planned for all losses.