Why Iranian warship was off the coast of Sri Lanka when US submarine attacked | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSheikh Saaliq & Krishan FrancisThursday 05 March 2026 11:33 GMTMoment US submarine sinks Iranian ship off coast of Sri LankaAn Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, was sunk by a U.S. submarine in international waters near Sri Lanka, resulting in 87 bodies recovered and 32 sailors rescued by the Sri Lankan navy.The IRIS Dena had recently participated in naval exercises hosted by India, sparking debate within India about maritime security and the government's lack of public comment.U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth linked the sinking to the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned it as an 'atrocity at sea'.A video released by the U.S. Department of Defense showed the torpedo attack, with Iran's Foreign Minister stating the U.S. would 'bitterly regret' the incident.Indian opposition leaders criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for its silence, and a former Indian diplomat highlighted that the U.S. ignored India's sensitivities as the ship was in the region due to India's invitation.In fullIranian warship sunk by the US was sailing home after taking part in an exhibition hosted by IndiaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in