American submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka amid rising middle east tensions

An American military submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, leaving nearly 150 sailors feared dead in the Indian Ocean. The incident occurred approximately 25 miles south of the island nation, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming the attack.

According to multiple US officials, the explosion that destroyed the vessel, identified as the IRIS Dena, was caused by submarine fire. Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 individuals, who are now receiving treatment in a hospital in Galle, a southern port city, while 148 sailors remain missing.

Sri Lankan navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath reported that bodies were recovered from the sea near the site of the sinking.

“Thirty-two people were rescued and are now being treated in a hospital in Galle,” Sampath said. He added that rescue boats observed only an oil slick and no remaining traces of the ship.

Although the attack took place outside Sri Lankan territorial waters, the government coordinated with the air force in ongoing search and rescue operations. Sampath said that efforts would continue as long as there was hope of finding additional survivors.

The incident comes amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East. On Tuesday, Iran launched drones targeting the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing minor damage, while a separate attack hit the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, prompting an indefinite closure.

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These attacks follow a conflict that began on Saturday and has resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials.

In response, the US Department of State ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and families from several countries in the region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq. NATO also reported intercepting an Iranian missile aimed at Turkey, reflecting the conflict’s spillover beyond the Middle East.

Israeli officials have threatened to assassinate Iran’s next supreme leader amid uncertainty over succession following the postponed funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian drones have also targeted the U.S. consulate in Dubai, causing a fire, while a missile strike hit the largest U.S. military base in Qatar.

The escalating violence has disrupted global energy markets. European gas prices have surged by 70 percent since Friday, raising concerns about supply stability. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean to safeguard crucial maritime routes.

Analysts warn that the combination of naval clashes in the Indian Ocean and ongoing Middle Eastern hostilities could further destabilize international trade and energy markets.

“This is a rare instance where regional tensions are directly impacting global maritime security,” said a maritime security expert, highlighting the wider implications of the conflict.