Iran FM slams US for sinking frigate: ‘Guest of India’s Navy’ struck without warning

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday accused the United States of committing a maritime "atrocity" after an American submarine torpedoed an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean.

The vessel, the IRIS Dena, was struck on Wednesday approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Sri Lanka. Araghchi noted that the ship was returning from the "MILAN 2026" multinational naval exercises in India and characterised the crew as guests of the Indian Navy.

"The U.S. has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores," Araghchi wrote in a post on X. "Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning."

The foreign minister warned that the unprovoked strike would have long-term consequences for international maritime norms. "Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set," he stated.

According to Sri Lankan officials, at least 87 bodies have been recovered from the site, while 32 survivors were rescued and transported to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle for treatment. Dozens more remain missing.

Pentagon officials released footage of the strike, which showed a Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo impacting the frigate’s stern. Hegseth characterised the operation as a "quiet death" for the vessel, which the administration identifies as a legitimate target in its effort to dismantle Iran’s naval capabilities.