US submarine sank Iranian warship, Hegseth says – as it happened
US submarine sank Iranian warship, Hegseth says – as it happened
In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday that a U.S. Navy submarine successfully engaged and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. The vessel, identified as the frigate IRIS Dena, was struck by a Mark 48 torpedo off the coast of Sri Lanka. This event marks a historic shift in naval warfare tactics, representing the first time since World War II that an American submarine has used a torpedo to sink an enemy combatant ship in international waters. As the U.S. military campaign enters its fifth day, officials state that the destruction of Iran's major naval presence is a key objective in their strategy to neutralize the regime's regional influence and military capabilities.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena using a single torpedo in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. The attack, confirmed during a Pentagon briefing on March 4, 2026, resulted in significant Iranian casualties, with at least 87 sailors reported dead. This strike is recognized as the first instance of a U.S. submarine sinking an enemy vessel with a torpedo since 1945, signaling a massive expansion of the U.S.-Israeli military operation known as "Operation Epic Fury."
The Sinking of the IRIS Dena: A Historic Naval Engagement
The IRIS Dena, one of the newest frigates in the Iranian Navy, was transiting through international waters in the Indian Ocean when it was targeted by a U.S. fast-attack submarine. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the vessel "thought it was safe" before being struck by what he described as a "quiet death." The use of a Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo ensured immediate destruction, causing the ship to break apart and sink rapidly. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the technical significance of the event, noting that U.S. submarines have not engaged in such a kinetic action against an enemy warship in over eight decades. The strike took place approximately 25 miles south of the port of Galle, Sri Lanka, as the ship was returning from multinational naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts off the Coast of Sri Lanka
The aftermath of the torpedo strike has been a scene of grim recovery. Sri Lankan naval authorities responded to a distress signal emitted by the IRIS Dena at dawn. Upon arrival at the coordinates, rescue teams found only an oil slick and debris. To date, 32 Iranian sailors have been rescued and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Galle. However, the death toll is rising; at least 87 bodies have been recovered from the water, and dozens more remain missing. With a reported crew of 180, officials fear that the majority of those on board did not survive the rapid sinking of the frigate. The Sri Lankan government, led by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, has coordinated the search and rescue operations despite the incident occurring in international waters.
Operation Epic Fury: The Broader U.S.-Israel Campaign
The sinking of the IRIS Dena is a piece of a much larger puzzle. Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated military campaign between the United States and Israel, has hit over 2,000 targets within Iran and across the Middle East. The operation was launched following escalating tensions and alleged bad-faith negotiations by the Iranian regime. Defense Secretary Hegseth told reporters that the goal is to "hunt, dismantle, demoralize, destroy, and defeat" Iran's military capabilities. Beyond naval assets, the campaign has targeted ballistic missile sites, IRGC headquarters, and command and control centers. Hegseth warned that the operation is "just getting started" and will continue until the regime's nuclear ambitions and military power are effectively neutralized.
International Reactions and Legal Controversies
The strike has sparked intense international debate regarding the legality of attacking a warship in international waters that was not actively engaged in hostilities. The IRIS Dena had just participated in India's "Milan" naval exercise, which included 74 countries. Critics, including former U.S. Air Force special operations experts, have questioned whether the ship posed an "imminent threat" at the time of the attack. Under the Geneva Conventions, there is also an obligation for the attacking force to assist in the rescue of survivors, a task that reportedly fell entirely to the Sri Lankan Navy. In India, opposition leaders have criticized the government's silence on the matter, as the attack occurred in a region where India maintains a significant security presence.
| Operational Detail | Information Provided |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | IRIS Dena (Iranian Frigate) |
| Weapon Used | Mark 48 Heavyweight Torpedo |
| Location | Indian Ocean, 25 miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka |
| Estimated Casualties | 87 Confirmed Dead, 101+ Missing |
| Historical Precedent | First U.S. submarine torpedo kill since 1945 |
Technological Supremacy: The Role of U.S. Submarines
General Dan Caine highlighted that "only the United States" possesses the global reach and technological capability to track and eliminate an "out-of-area deployer" like the IRIS Dena at such a distance. The stealth of the U.S. submarine fleet allows for operations that are undetected until the moment of impact. The Pentagon released periscope footage showing the frigate being split by the torpedo, a demonstration of the Mark 48's devastating power. This technology ensures that even vessels equipped with surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship capabilities, like the IRIS Dena, are vulnerable to underwater threats. Hegseth used the term "quiet death" to underscore the psychological impact this has on the remaining Iranian naval forces.
Escalation in the Persian Gulf and Global Oil Markets
As the war expands, the Persian Gulf has become a dangerous zone for international shipping. Iran has retaliated by threatening to destroy the region's military and economic infrastructure. Reports indicate that at least five ships in the Arabian Gulf have been targeted in recent days, including oil tankers. These disruptions have caused global oil and gas prices to spike significantly. In response, President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. Navy might begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Financial markets in Tokyo and Seoul have seen sharp declines, reflecting the global instability caused by the interruption of energy exports from one of the world's most critical transit points.
The Future of the Conflict: Timeline and Objectives
While President Trump initially estimated the campaign might last four to five weeks, Secretary Hegseth has indicated a more flexible timeline. He noted that the "tempo and pace" are set by the U.S., and the operation will continue for as long as necessary to achieve its effects. The primary objectives remain the elimination of Iran's ballistic missile systems and the total destruction of its navy to prevent any rapid reconstitution of power. With nearly 20 Iranian naval vessels already reported destroyed, the U.S. Central Command claims to have effectively neutralized Iran's major naval presence in the theater. However, the potential for a prolonged conflict remains high as Iranian units move toward decentralized leadership.
Humanitarian Impact and Civilian Toll
The human cost of Operation Epic Fury is mounting. Reports from humanitarian organizations and state media suggest that over 1,000 people have been killed in Iran, including hundreds of children. Strikes have reportedly hit civilian infrastructure, including a girls' school in southern Iran, an incident the U.S. military is currently investigating. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes against Hezbollah have killed dozens and displaced over 80,000 people. The State Department has urged all U.S. citizens to leave the Middle East immediately as the conflict threatens to draw in neighboring countries like Azerbaijan, which has already reported drone strikes on its territory.
FAQ
1. When did the U.S. submarine sink the Iranian warship?
The attack took place late Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, and was officially confirmed by the Pentagon on Wednesday, March 4.
2. What was the name of the Iranian ship?
The ship was the IRIS Dena, a modern frigate and considered a "prize ship" of the Iranian Navy.
3. How many people died in the incident?
At least 87 bodies have been recovered, and over 100 people are missing. 32 sailors were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy.
4. Why is this event historically significant?
It is the first time since 1945 (World War II) that a United States Navy submarine has used a torpedo to sink an enemy warship.
5. Where did the sinking occur?
It happened in international waters in the Indian Ocean, approximately 25 miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
The sinking of the IRIS Dena marks a definitive and lethal chapter in the U.S.-Iran war. By utilizing the stealth and precision of its submarine fleet, the United States has sent a clear message regarding its ability to strike any target, anywhere in the world's oceans. While the Pentagon celebrates this as a major tactical victory and a historic milestone, the high casualty count and the location of the strike in international waters have raised significant legal and humanitarian concerns. As Operation Epic Fury continues to expand, the world remains on edge, watching as the conflict shifts from the borders of Iran to the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, forever changing the landscape of modern naval engagement.
US submarine sank Iranian warship, Hegseth says – as it happened
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