US Sinks Iranian Warship; First Torpedo Kill Since 1945

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

In a historic military strike, the United States Navy has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, marking the first time since World War II that an American submarine has successfully used a torpedo to destroy an enemy combatant. The incident occurred on March 4, 2026, when a U.S. submarine fired a Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo at the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class vessel, while it was transiting international waters near the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Pentagon officials confirmed the ship sank immediately after the torpedo hit. Sri Lankan authorities received a distress call before the vessel disappeared from radar. Reports indicate that at least 87 Iranian sailors lost their lives, while 32 survivors were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for others who remain unaccounted for.

U.S. military leaders described the strike as part of Operation Epic Fury, a broader campaign targeting Iranian naval and military infrastructure. According to officials, more than 20 Iranian naval vessels have been neutralized, and over 2,000 targets across Iranian territory have been struck in recent days. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, emphasized that the action was aimed at reducing Tehran’s capacity to threaten regional stability.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth highlighted the historic nature of the strike, noting that a U.S. submarine has not sunk an enemy warship with a torpedo in over 80 years. He described the attack as precise, with the vessel being destroyed “quietly and decisively” in international waters.

The sinking has sparked concern across the Indian Ocean region, raising questions about maritime security and international law. Iranian authorities have yet to release a full public statement confirming the loss of the IRIS Dena, though the incident has intensified tensions between Tehran and Washington. Analysts say this escalation could have far-reaching implications for naval operations, regional alliances, and the broader geopolitical balance in the Middle East and surrounding waters.

The U.S. strike represents a rare and significant use of submarine warfare in the 21st century, underlining both the tactical capabilities of modern naval forces and the increasing intensity of U.S.-Iranian hostilities. As recovery efforts continue and further details emerge, global attention remains focused on the Indian Ocean and the strategic consequences of this unprecedented engagement.

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