Iran has strongly condemned the United States over the reported sinking of one of its naval vessels near Sri Lanka, describing the action as an “atrocity at sea” and warning of serious consequences.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the United States of attacking the Iranian Navy frigate Dena in international waters without prior warning. The vessel was reportedly operating thousands of miles away from Iran’s territorial waters when the incident occurred.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Araghchi said the attack happened about 2,000 miles from Iran’s shores and described it as an unjustified act.
According to him, the frigate Dena was in the region as a guest of the Indian Navy and had nearly 130 sailors on board at the time of the incident. He stressed that the ship was struck without warning while sailing in international waters near Sri Lanka.
“The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning,” Araghchi wrote.
The Iranian minister warned that Washington would eventually face consequences for the action, saying it had set a dangerous precedent in international maritime conduct.
“Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set,” he added.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and increasing confrontations between Iran and the United States in recent months. Analysts warn that incidents involving military assets in international waters could further escalate the already fragile geopolitical situation.
While details surrounding the sinking of the vessel remain limited, the latest accusations from Tehran are likely to intensify diplomatic tensions between both countries. Observers say the situation may also raise concerns among global powers about the safety of naval operations and maritime cooperation in international waters.
There has been no immediate official response from the United States regarding the allegation as of the time of reporting.
