US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean, Pentagon Confirms

A U.S. Navy attack submarine has sunk the Iranian *Moudge* class frigate IRIS *Dena* in the Indian Ocean, marking the first known American submarine attack on a surface warship since World War II. The Pentagon confirmed the incident, stating that the Iranian warship was struck by a single Mk 48 torpedo. Secretary Pete Hegseth described the event as a "quiet death" for the Iranian vessel, which was operating in international waters. This action represents a significant escalation, extending U.S. military operations against Iran beyond the Middle East theater.

Sri Lankan authorities initiated rescue operations for Iranian sailors after receiving a distress call, with their foreign minister reporting that the incident appeared to be a submarine attack. Initial reports from Sri Lankan Navy sources indicate that 79 individuals were rescued, with one seriously injured and another subsequently dying, while 101 sailors are believed to be missing from the sunken frigate. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine stated that this attack is part of Operation Epic Fury, an ongoing effort to neutralize Iran's naval presence.

Gen. Caine further revealed that over 20 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed as part of this operation, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) planning continued strikes against Iranian infrastructure and naval capabilities in the coming 24 to 48 hours. The destruction of Iran’s Navy remains a central objective of Operation Epic Fury. The Pentagon later released video footage of the torpedo strike, captured through the submarine's optronics mast, showing a significant detonation at the stern of the Iranian frigate.