'Guest of Indian Navy': Iran issues first response after US torpedo sinks Iranian warship 'IRIS Dena', mentions India

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a sharp response over the sinking of Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean by the United States and mentioned India. In a post on X, Araghchi called IRIS Dena as “India's guest” and slammed the US for perpetrating an “atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores.” He confirmed that 130 sailors were onboard the vessel and it was attacked in the Indian Ocean while en route back to Iran. The Iranian FM also said that the vessel was struck without warning and declared that America “will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set.” He called the vessel “a guest of India's Navy.” READ HIS POST here

His remarks came as in a dramatic turn of events, the United States sunk Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena, which participated in India’s multinational naval exercise Milan 2026. The event refers to a large maritime exercise, involving 42 ships, 29 aircraft, and 74 countries. The event concluded with a ceremony aboard India's INS Vikrant. IRIS Dena had also taken part in India’s International Fleet Review 2026 that was held between Feb 15 to Feb 25, and made a port call at Visakhapatnam. It was hosted alongside dozens of international warships.

According to reports, this is the first time since World War II that a US submarine had sunk another vessel using a torpedo. At least 87 people have been confirmed dead and many are unaccounted for. Araghchi did not comment anything on the casualties. This act by the US is being seen as extremely dangerous due to fear of military escalations. Araghchi also warned that America will regret such a “precedent.” Iranian FM views the sinking of the IRIS Dena as a fundamental violation of international maritime norms and a message that US no longer considers international waters as "neutral sanctuary" for Iranian assets.

The vessel was struck near Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as it was moving homeward from India's naval exercises. A single Mark 48 (Mk 48) heavyweight torpedo was fired from a U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine. Pentagon-released footage showed the torpedo striking the hull, causing a massive explosion that broke the ship's back (keel), lifting it momentarily out of the water before it sank stern-first. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even boasted about the strike and described it as a “quiet death.”

The Indian government has not issued a formal detailed statement specifically regarding the sinking of the IRIS Dena.

Sri Lanka has issued several official statements primarily focused on its humanitarian and search-and-rescue (SAR) obligations. Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force were deployed for a rescue mission. Sri Lankan Defence Ministry confirmed the recovery of 87 bodies and the rescue of 32 sailors, who were transported to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle for treatment. Sri Lanka Media minister Nalinda Jayatissa said a second Iranian warship was heading towards Sri Lanka's territorial waters, carrying more than 100 crew and feared they too could be targeted the same way a sister vessel was sunk

Last month, Indian Navy had welcomed IRIS Dena, of the Iranian Navy in Visakhapatnam saying it is reflecting long-standing cultural links between the two nations.

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