Iran Issues Stark Warning to US Over Sinking of Navy Frigate
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a fiery warning to the United States, declaring that Washington will "bitterly regret" its decision to sink an Iranian naval vessel in the Indian Ocean. In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi accused the US of committing an "atrocity at sea" by targeting the frigate IRIS Dena approximately 2,000 miles from Iran's shores.
Details of the Maritime Incident
The incident unfolded early on Wednesday when the Iranian frigate, which was reportedly a guest of India's Navy and carrying nearly 130 sailors, was struck without warning in international waters. According to US officials, an American submarine torpedoed and sank the vessel as part of what they described as Washington's expanding war against Iran.
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth commented on the strike, emphasizing the reach of American forces and labeling it a "quiet death" for the ship, which had believed it was safe in international waters. Authorities in Sri Lanka confirmed that the ship issued a distress call about 40 kilometers south of the port city of Galle.
Rescue Efforts and Casualty Fears
Rescue teams managed to save 32 crew members from the stricken vessel, but dozens remain missing. Officials fear that at least 80 sailors may have been killed in the attack. Naval aircraft and patrol boats have continued search operations, with Sri Lankan officials noting that the frigate had completely sunk by the time rescuers reached the site, leaving only an oil slick behind.
Sri Lanka, which has declared neutrality in the Middle East conflict, stated that it responded to the distress call under international maritime obligations. The country's involvement highlights the broader implications of the incident in a region already fraught with tension.
Iran's Vow of Retaliation
In his social media post, Araghchi made it clear that Iran views the sinking as a grave provocation. "Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set," he asserted, signaling potential retaliation from Tehran. This statement underscores the escalating hostilities between the two nations, with maritime security becoming a new flashpoint in their longstanding rivalry.
The sinking of the IRIS Dena not only represents a significant loss for Iran's navy but also sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts at sea. As search operations continue and diplomatic tensions rise, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further escalation in this volatile region.
