The Digester

Australian submariners kept from US attack on Iranian warship, PM says

Mar 10th 2026

Three Royal Australian Navy personnel were aboard the US submarine that sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, but Australian officials and a military source say the sailors were kept out of the attack, while a British attack submarine left Western Australia after a shortened visit.

  • Three Royal Australian Navy personnel were embedded on the Los Angeles-class USS Charlotte, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed.
  • Albanese said no Australian personnel participated in the offensive action against Iran.
  • A military source told reporters the Australians were ordered to their sleeping quarters while the US submarine fired torpedoes at IRIS Dena in international waters of the Indian Ocean.
  • At least 87 people were reported killed when the US submarine sank IRIS Dena, according to media reports.
  • Defence Minister Richard Marles and his department did not respond to detailed questions about the Australian submariners' activities during the strike.
  • HMS Anson left HMAS Stirling early after completing maintenance and the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on its movements or operational details.

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