Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed the US for perpetrating an ‘atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores’
NEW DELHI – Condemning the US sinking of the naval frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean in an attack carried out by the United States, Iran has warned that Washington would regret the strike. The attack reportedly killed more than 80 sailors.
The vessel was a “guest of India’s Navy” after it participated in Milan 2026 and the International Fleet Review, Iran claimed on Thursday. The event refers to a large maritime exercise involving 42 ships, 29 aircraft, and 74 countries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a sharp response over the sinking of the naval frigate. In a post on X, Araghchi called IRIS Dena “India’s guest” and slammed the US for perpetrating an “atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores.”
He confirmed that 130 sailors were onboard the vessel and it was attacked in the Indian Ocean, which was returning to Iran. Araghchi also said that the vessel was struck without warning and declared that America “will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set.”
The United States sank the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena, which participated in India’s multinational naval exercise Milan 2026.
The event concluded with a ceremony aboard India’s INS Vikrant. India’s International Fleet Review 2026 was held between February 15 to 25, and made a port call at Visakhapatnam. It was hosted alongside dozens of international warships.
Last month, the Indian Navy welcomed IRIS Dena in Visakhapatnam, saying it reflects long-standing cultural links between the two nations.
The Indian government has not yet issued a statement specifically regarding the sinking of the IRIS Dena.
The vessel was struck near Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as it was moving homeward from India’s naval exercises. A single Mark 48 (Mk 48) heavyweight torpedo was fired from a US Navy fast-attack submarine. – With inputs from agencies
