US confirms attack on Iranian warship; torpedo used, first since Second World War | WATCH

The United States has confirmed that a US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena with a torpedo hit, marking the first such submarine attack since the Second World War.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the strike occurred in the Indian Ocean when the Iranian vessel, thought to be safe in international waters, was hit by a single torpedo. “Quiet death. The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II. Like in that war, back when we were still the War Department, we are fighting to win,” he said.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, described the attack as “an incredible demonstration of America’s global reach,” adding that the US fast attack submarine used a Mark 48 torpedo to send the warship to the bottom of the sea.

Sri Lankan authorities reported that 30 sailors were rescued from the IRIS Dena, which had been in distress with around 180 crew onboard approximately 40km off the southern coast near Galle. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed the rescued sailors were taken to Karapitiya Hospital for treatment.

The Department of War released a video showing the torpedo strike on the Iranian frigate. Meanwhile, in Washington, Hegseth confirmed that additional US bombers and fighter jets were entering the theatre of war as part of Operation Epic Fury. “We are just getting started. Iran’s capabilities are evaporating by the hour, while American strength grows fiercer, smarter and utterly dominant,” he said, outlining the use of precision-guided bombs in the ongoing campaign.

General Caine said US forces were making steady progress. “Iran’s theatre ballistic missile launches are down 86% from the first day of fighting, with a 23% decrease in the last 24 hours. Their one-way attack drone strikes are down 73% from the opening days,” he said.

The strike comes on the fifth day of escalating conflict in West Asia involving the US, Israel and Iran, with both air and naval operations expanding across the region.

Sri Lankan authorities said multiple bodies had been recovered and survivors were receiving medical attention, as the island nation continues its search and rescue operations.