US Torpedoes Iranian Warship Dena Near Sri Lanka, Killing Dozens

An Iranian sailor who was killed when the warship Dena was struck by the United States near Sri Lanka had called his father shortly beforehand. He reportedly said that American forces had issued two warnings for the crew to abandon the vessel, a source close to the family told Iran International.

Despite the imminent danger, the Iranian navy warship’s commander refused to allow the crew to leave the ship. The source explained that the crew was aware of the threat but felt unable to act against the commander’s orders.

The sailor’s father said that some crew members argued with the commander, urging him to evacuate. Ultimately, only 32 of the 180 crew members survived, mostly sailors who managed to escape on lifeboats.

The attack occurred on Wednesday when a US submarine torpedoed Dena in the Indian Ocean, approximately 19 nautical miles from the southern Sri Lankan port of Galle. Dozens of sailors were killed, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s campaign against Iran’s naval forces.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the sinking as a “quiet death,” noting that the warship was targeted in international waters. Analysts have highlighted that this incident represents the first time since World War II that the United States has torpedoed an enemy warship.

Sri Lankan authorities launched a rescue operation, recovering the bodies of 87 Iranian sailors and providing medical assistance to the 32 survivors. The event has raised questions about the legal and military implications of attacks on naval vessels in international waters.

As tensions continue to escalate, regional and international responses are emerging. Analysts warn that the incident could lead to further confrontations between the United States, Iran, and allied nations, potentially affecting global maritime security and diplomatic relations.