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INDOPACOM rejects Iran’s claim that sunken warship IRIS Dena was unarmed
March 8 - Daily Mirror - The United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) has rejected claims that the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was unarmed when it was sunk in a submarine attack near Sri Lankan waters, stating that the vessel was a legitimate military target under the Law of Armed Conflict.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, INDOPACOM described Iran’s assertion that the frigate was unarmed as “false.” The command said the Law of Armed Conflict authorized the use of force against valid military targets and justified the strike.
INDOPACOM further stated that U.S. forces had planned the response while Sri Lanka provided life-saving support to survivors in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict.
The statement follows strong objections from Iran, which insisted that the warship was operating in a non-combat configuration at the time of the incident.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who is currently visiting India, said the vessel had been returning home after taking part in the MILAN Multilateral Naval Exercise hosted by India. He described the U.S. action as a “serious violation of international law.”
The incident occurred as the Iranian frigate was sailing back from the naval exercise. At least 87 Iranian sailors were reportedly killed in the attack, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran outside the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy rescued several crew members from the distressed vessel about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle. A total of 32 injured Iranian sailors were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Around 180 personnel were reportedly on board the Iranian Navy vessel when the incident occurred. Authorities said rescue and medical assistance were provided following the sinking.
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