Iran Navy Chief Issues Stern Warning After US Submarine Sinks Warship Dena
The commander of Iran's conventional navy, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, has delivered a forceful warning of "deadly retaliation" against the nation's enemies. This statement comes in direct response to the tragic sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a United States submarine in the Indian Ocean on March 4. The torpedo attack resulted in the deaths of 87 sailors, with the vessel located approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Details of the Naval Tragedy and Official Statements
According to reports from Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, the IRIS Dena was struck by a US submarine-launched MK-48 torpedo while it was navigating in international waters. The warship had recently participated in the multinational naval exercise MILAN, hosted by India. The attack led to a total of 104 crew members perishing, with 87 bodies recovered and 32 sailors successfully rescued from the waters.
Rear Admiral Irani emphasized the nation's resolve, stating, "We will not forget the enemy's crime, and we will exact retribution for the blood of our martyrs." He further warned, "The enemy should know that we will punish it with deadly strikes from where it least expects." The navy chief's remarks suggest that Iran's potential retaliation could extend beyond conventional battlefields, possibly targeting enemy assets in unexpected theaters of operation.
Funeral Arrangements and Broader Political Context
Authorities have announced that the funeral procession for the fallen sailors of the Dena will be held on Tuesday evening, with burial ceremonies scheduled for the following day. In a related development, the official social media profiles of Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, posted a handwritten note shortly after Israel claimed to have killed him. The note, written in black ink, honored the sacrifices of the navy personnel, describing their martyrdom as part of the struggle against international oppressors.
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the submarine strike, noting it marked the first sinking of a ship by torpedo since World War II. Rear Admiral Irani expressed the nation's grief over the tragedy but also declared, "Although today we mourn our loved ones, by the grace of God, we have brought the enemy to its knees." This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region, including recent Israeli bombings labeled as 'ecocide' by Iran and warnings from former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO's involvement in potential conflicts.
The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents a significant escalation in naval hostilities, with Iran now signaling a robust and potentially unconventional response to what it perceives as a grave act of aggression by the United States.
