IRIS Dena came here at Sri Lanka’s invitation: Iranian envoy

Says every country has responsibility to help ships according to law

IRIS Dena was not here for war, sailors were part of a music band

Ready to provide oil, other essentials to Sri Lanka if requested

By Kelum Bandara

Putting to rest speculation about the U.S. attack on an Iranian warship in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which killed 104 Iranian sailors, Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alireza Delkhosh said yesterday that the vessel ‘IRIS Dena’ came here at the invitation of the Sri Lankan authorities. 

Addressing a press conference in Colombo at his residence, the Iranian Ambassador said that, according to international humanitarian law, all countries, including neutral countries, have some responsibility to provide facilities to other ships,  including warships, and give them some help. “According to our information, they were not in an urgent position. They asked for permission to enter Sri Lankan waters. I don’t have any documentary confirmed information whether they asked for urgent permission or not. If so, all countries—neutral or non-neutral—should have such responsibilities, even from a humanitarian point of view, to give help to them,” he said in response to a question. 

Asked whether the U.S. gave any prior warning of the attack, the Iranian Ambassador said there was no such warning, and asserted that IRIS Dena was not here for any military purpose. 

“It was not here for war. It participated in a peaceful exercise in India. In India, this vessel, along with two other vessels, were invited by the Sri Lankan government to come here. They came here upon invitation. They didn’t receive any alert in advance from the United States,” he said. 

He said that those on board were not armed with weapons but were members of a music band. 

He said 104 unarmed sailors aboard died. 

“According to international humanitarian law, attacks on the hostile party are only permitted on the battlefield, whereas this ship was more than 1,100 nautical miles from the battlefield and had no weapons or defensive capabilities,” he said. 

Responding to a query about the possibility of securing oil from Iran for Sri Lanka during the crisis, he said Sri Lanka is a friend of Iran. 
“Iran is always ready to provide all necessities to friendly countries like Sri Lanka. In any case, if Sri Lanka demands oil or any other necessary goods, Iran will supply and provide these goods to Sri Lanka. We don’t want to see Sri Lanka in trouble,” he said. The Ambassador thanked the Sri Lankan government for the hospitality extended to the remaining members of IRIS Dena and the members of the other vessel, which came here later with cadets on board. 

“Right now they are here. The Sri Lankan government is very hospitable. We don’t have any issues. We are working to take them to their families as soon as possible,” he said. 

Asked how Iran can justify its attacks in neighbouring countries, he said Iran warned ahead of the conflict that any country supportive of its enemies to launch strikes would be targeted. 

“It is nothing new. It is a rule of law. Suppose you have a neighbour. If somebody comes to your neighbour’s home and attacks you, you will have a countermeasure,” he said. 

The Ambassador said that Iran will continue with its defensive measures against any country with bases against it.