The Pentagon released a video that, according to US authorities, shows the moment a US Navy submarine launches a torpedo that sinks an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean outside of territorial waters.
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— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) March 4, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the Iranian ship — identified by various sources as the IRIS Dena frigate — “believed to be safe in international waters” before being hit by the torpedo. The head of the Pentagon described the attack as a “decisive act” within the military operation launched against Iran last week.
FIRST LETHAL SUBMARINE ATTACK SINCE WORLD WAR II
US officials said this was the first time since World War II that a US submarine torpedoed an enemy ship in direct combat. A technical and military milestone that highlights the intensity of the current conflict.
This type of action not only represents a naval escalation, but also an explicit use of force in international waters. Which could have legal and diplomatic implications at a global level.
RESCUE AND VICTIMS
International media report that the Sri Lanka Navy participated in search and rescue operations after receiving an emergency signal from the attack area, dozens of miles south of the island.
So far, dozens of survivors have been reported transferred to medical centers, while a significant number of crew members remain missing or deceased. Although the figures vary depending on the source and have not yet been officially confirmed by Tehran.
WIDER CONTEXT OF THE CONFLICT
The action occurs amid a broader conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which in recent days has included airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure and against senior leaders of the Tehran regime. This, according to official US statements.
Hegseth has defended these operations as necessary to “neutralize threats” from the Iranian government. Although the lack of independent confirmation and the high number of civilian victims reported by various media have generated international concern.
Analysts warn that the sinking of a military ship in international waters—especially using submarine weapons—could consolidate a more aggressive and open phase of the conflict, with risks of further escalation between the powers involved and regional allies.
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