Second Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka After Submarine Strike Raises Regional Tensions
A second Iranian naval vessel has moved close to the waters of Sri Lanka, a day after a United States Navy submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, an attack that reportedly killed at least 87 sailors.
Sri Lankan officials confirmed that the new Iranian warship is currently positioned just outside the island nation’s territorial waters and has requested permission to enter port.
Authorities said the vessel is believed to be carrying more than 100 crew members, prompting concerns that it could also become a target amid the widening confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Government spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the ship’s presence near Sri Lankan waters and said officials were working to ensure the safety of those on board.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa called on the government to quickly clarify whether the vessel would be allowed to dock, saying the public deserves to know Colombo’s position on the issue.
The development follows the sinking of IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. According to authorities, dozens of sailors died in the strike, while 32 survivors were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in the port city of Galle under tight security. Search operations are still underway for around 60 crew members who remain missing.
Iran has strongly condemned the submarine attack, saying the warship had been travelling through international waters after participating in a naval exercise hosted by India in the eastern port city of Visakhapatnam. Iranian officials described the strike as an unlawful act carried out far from the main conflict zone.
The incident highlights how the war between Iran and its adversaries is spreading beyond the Middle East. The attack occurred thousands of kilometres from the Gulf region, where the United States and Israel have been carrying out air and missile strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks against US and Israeli facilities.
Regional governments including Sri Lanka and India have so far maintained a neutral position and repeatedly called for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
However, the naval confrontation in the Indian Ocean suggests the conflict is increasingly affecting countries far beyond its original theatre.
Iranian officials have warned that Washington will face consequences for the submarine strike. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, president of the United States, has indicated that weakening or replacing Iran’s current leadership could become part of Washington’s broader war strategy, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
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