A major international incident has erupted following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a US torpedo strike on Wednesday. The vessel, identified as the frigate IRIS Dena, was reportedly participating as a guest nation in the Milan 2026 multinational naval exercises, hosted by the Indian Navy, when it was targeted in international waters.
According to former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, the Iranian ship’s presence in the region was directly tied to India’s invitation. ‘The Iranian ship would not be where it was if we had not invited it to take part in our Milan exercise,’ Sibal stated, emphasizing that the vessel was ‘defenceless’ under the rules of the engagement, which prohibited participating ships from carrying live ammunition.
The attack, confirmed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the first sinking of an enemy vessel by torpedo since World War II, resulted in significant casualties. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath reported approximately 32 survivors were rescued, many with serious injuries. With the ship’s capacity estimated at 180 crew members, a majority are now presumed missing or deceased.
Indian politician Supriya Shrinate publicly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the incident, noting on social media that the killed Iranian sailors ‘were our guests.’
The unprovoked strike has drawn fierce condemnation from Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi denounced the action as ‘an atrocity at sea’ committed 2,000 miles from Iran’s shores and warned of impending consequences, stating, ‘Mark my words: the US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set.’
In a developing aftermath, a second Iranian warship carrying over 100 sailors is currently positioned near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Officers aboard have reportedly requested an urgent port call, fearing a similar attack, though Sri Lankan authorities have not yet granted approval.