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Incident Report: Sinking of Iranian Warship IRIS Dena

Key Figures:

• 87: Personnel killed in the incident
• 32: Personnel rescued from the sinking warship
• 100: Estimated number of sailors on board IRIS Dena at the time of the attack
• Pete Hegseth: US Defence Secretary
• Droupadi Murmu: President of India

Summary The sinking of IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka has sparked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The incident occurred just two weeks after IRIS Dena participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, India.

Details of the Incident IRIS Dena was attacked by a US submarine in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 personnel and leaving 32 rescued and dozens more missing. The sinking marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth describing the attack as a "quiet death" delivered by a torpedo in international waters.

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Reactions and Implications Public reactions to the incident have reflected widespread alarm at the geopolitical and strategic implications of the attack occurring so close to India. Social media users have questioned India's response to the incident, with some calling for a strong condemnation of the attack. Iran's foreign minister has warned that the US will "bitterly regret" the torpedo strike, while emphasizing that IRIS Dena had been a "guest" of the Indian Navy shortly before the attack. India has yet to issue an official response to the sinking, despite the warship's close naval engagement with India shortly before the incident.

Timeline

• February 19, 2026: IRIS Dena participates in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, India.
• March 4, 2026: The sinking of IRIS Dena is reported, sparking widespread reactions and debate.