Iranian Warship IRIS Dena Sinks Off Sri Lanka; US Confirms Submarine Strike

On March 4, 2026, the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena sank approximately 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka's southern coast after an explosion. Sri Lanka's navy and air force conducted a rescue operation, saving 30-32 sailors and recovering several bodies. The frigate had around 180 crew members, with over 100 reported missing. The United States confirmed it sank the vessel with a submarine-launched torpedo amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. Sri Lankan officials denied observing other vessels or aircraft near the incident, and investigations into the cause continue.