US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Amidst Escalating Conflict
Jakarta – A United States submarine has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Dozens of Iranian sailors are feared dead following the underwater torpedo attack.
Details of the Incident
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the incident, stating the Iranian vessel was operating in international waters when it was struck by a torpedo. While Hegseth did not disclose the name of the ship, reports from the Sri Lankan Navy suggest the vessel was the IRIS Dena, which went missing with approximately 140 crew members on board. AP News
“It’s not an even fight, and it’s not meant to be an even fight,” Hegseth stated, signaling a decisive approach to the conflict. He added, “A bigger wave is coming. We are just getting started.”
Casualty Reports and Rescue Efforts
As of Thursday, March 5, 2026, at least 87 Iranian soldiers have been confirmed dead, with 61 others still missing. Approximately 32 Iranian sailors were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy and are receiving medical treatment in Galle, Sri Lanka. AP News
Sri Lankan authorities are continuing search and rescue operations for the remaining missing sailors. An AFP photographer reported seeing dozens of bodies, believed to be Iranian soldiers, brought to a local hospital on Wednesday evening.
Second Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that a second Iranian warship is currently positioned just outside Sri Lankan waters. Details regarding the vessel’s name and crew complement remain limited, but concerns are mounting that it could be a potential target for further attacks. AP News
Authorities in Galle are preparing to handle the remains of the 87 Iranian sailors killed in the attack.
Iran’s Response
Tehran has condemned the sinking of its warship as an act of atrocity, warning that the United States will “deeply regret” its actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Of launching the attack in international waters without warning, emphasizing the dangerous precedent it sets. AP News
“The US has committed atrocities at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s coast. The Dena frigate, a guest of the Indian Navy carrying nearly 130 sailors, was hit in international waters without warning,” Araghchi stated via social media. “Mark my words: the US will deeply regret the precedent it has set.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth has stated the U.S. Is winning its military operation against Iran “decisively, devastatingly and without mercy.” AP News