Iran Warns U.S. After American Submarine Sinks Iranian Frigate Off Sri Lanka
Mar 5th 2026
A U.S. submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, killing scores of sailors and prompting a stern Iranian warning of reprisal as both sides step up military strikes that are disrupting shipping, energy markets, and regional security.
- A U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka, according to video released by the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attack an atrocity and warned the U.S. would "bitterly regret" setting the precedent.
- Sri Lankan officials say more than 80 Iranian sailors died, about 30 are hospitalized, and others remain unaccounted for as search and rescue continue.
- Iran says the ship was a guest of India’s navy and had been participating in a Bay of Bengal exercise, and estimates about 130 sailors were affected.
- U.S. officials hailed the strike as a demonstration of American reach, and U.S. Central Command says the action is part of broader strikes that have hit more than 20 Iranian vessels.
- The incident is part of Operation Epic Fury, which U.S. leaders say will continue, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks including an IRGC claim it struck a U.S. oil tanker.
- Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, driving up oil and gas prices, spiking shipping costs, and prompting insurers to drop war risk coverage.
- Six American service members have been reported killed in the region so far, and lawmakers and the White House are publicly at odds over whether U.S. munitions stockpiles are sufficient for ongoing operations and support to allies.