WASHINGTON – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that an American submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, marking a significant and rare escalation in maritime hostilities.
According to Hegseth, the Iranian vessel was destroyed by a torpedo while operating in international waters—an area where the Iranian crew reportedly believed they were beyond the reach of a direct strike.
Key Details of the Incident
- The Strike: Hegseth confirmed the ship was “sunk by a torpedo,” a method of engagement that has become increasingly rare in modern naval warfare.
- Historical Significance: This event marks the first time since World War II that the U.S. military has used a torpedo to sink an enemy vessel.
- Location: The strike occurred in the Indian Ocean, specifically off the coast of Sri Lanka, far from the typical flashpoints in the Persian Gulf.
- Strategic Stance: Hegseth emphasized a shift in military doctrine, stating, “Like in that war [WWII]… we are fighting to win.”
The vessel involved is believed to be the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Reports suggest the strike was part of a broader U.S. military operation aimed at neutralizing Iranian assets deemed a threat to international shipping lanes.
“An Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters… was sunk by a torpedo.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
While the U.S. has engaged in various skirmishes and missile strikes in recent decades, the deliberate use of a submarine-launched torpedo signals a return to high-intensity naval tactics not seen in over 80 years.
