US Claims Sinking Iranian Warship with Torpedo in Indian Ocean

While Hegseth did not specify the ship's name, the Sri Lankan Navy confirmed that the Iranian warship 'IRIS Dena' sank in the Indian Ocean, with approximately 140 crew members reported missing.

This escalation marks a significant expansion of the ongoing military conflict between Tehran and Washington. The 'IRIS Dena,' one of the more modern ships in the Iranian naval fleet, was reportedly on a mission in the region when it was struck. Search and rescue operations are currently underway for the missing sailors. This direct military action in international waters has heightened fears of a broader naval war, as global analysts watch closely for Iran's retaliatory response to the loss of its strategic naval asset.