The United States has claimed that one of its submarines sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean using a torpedo attack, according to statements made by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon that the operation targeted an Iranian naval vessel in international waters. Although he did not identify the ship, the development comes after reports that the IRIS Dena had sunk near Sri Lanka following a distress call.
Sri Lankan naval authorities earlier said they rescued 32 people from the sea after receiving an emergency signal from the vessel.
Officials believe around 180 people may have been on board, leaving approximately 140 feared missing, though the exact casualty figure remains unconfirmed.
US Military Response and War Rhetoric
Hegseth stated that the United States is conducting what he described as a decisive military campaign alongside its allies. He claimed the operation is aimed at weakening Iranian military capabilities.
The defence secretary said further military actions could follow and suggested that strikes might extend deeper into Iranian territory if the conflict continues.
He also made strong political remarks regarding Iranian leadership, saying the country’s regime was facing severe military pressure.
Hegseth additionally alleged that Iran had attempted to target Donald Trump in a past plot, claiming U.S. forces had later eliminated the alleged leader of the unit involved. No independent confirmation of this claim has been provided.
Casualty Reports and Investigation on School Strike
The U.S. Defence Department said it is reviewing information related to a reported strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, which Iranian authorities say killed more than 150 people, many of them children. However, officials declined to confirm responsibility or provide further intelligence.
Rising Tension Across the Middle East
The conflict has expanded across several regions with continued air and missile exchanges. Israeli forces said they carried out attacks on infrastructure described as security targets in Tehran.
Airstrikes have caused widespread damage in parts of the Iranian capital, with multiple residential and public buildings reportedly destroyed.
Separately, authorities reported that NATO air defence systems intercepted an Iranian missile heading toward Turkish airspace.
International Military Movements and Evacuation Plans
The United Kingdom is preparing to deploy a warship, HMS Dragon, to the eastern Mediterranean following attacks on a British military installation in Cyprus. Officials said the vessel is expected to leave port in the coming days.
At the same time, several countries are arranging evacuation flights for their citizens as fighting continues to spread across the region.
Situation Remains Uncertain
Military operations, missile exchanges and airstrikes have intensified over the past few days, raising international concern that the conflict could widen further.
Search and rescue efforts are continuing in the Indian Ocean as authorities attempt to determine the fate of those missing from the sunken Iranian ship. 📖 Read More
US and Israeli forces continue large-scale bombardment of Iran and Lebanon, with strikes reported in Tehran, Qom and Beirut as the death toll surpasses 800.
Iran Expands Retaliation
Tehran launches drone and missile attacks for a fourth consecutive night, targeting US facilities in Dubai, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait.
Lebanon Front Escalates
Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s suburbs and eastern Lebanon, including Hazmieh and Baalbek, while evacuation warnings spread across the south.
Gulf Tensions Rise
Missiles and drones intercepted over Saudi Arabia and the UAE; shipping risks increase amid threats surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Military Mobilisation
US confirms major troop and naval deployment; France deploys Rafale jets over the UAE; Israel redeploys reserve forces near the Lebanon border.
Iranian Warship Sinks Near Sri Lanka
An Iranian naval vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, has reportedly sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka following what was described as a submarine attack. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued, while several bodies were recovered during ongoing search operations.
Political Fallout Grows
Democrats criticise President Trump’s justification for the strikes; Canada and Spain question the legality of the military actions.
Global Economic Shockwaves
Asian markets tumble sharply, with Seoul recording its largest single-day drop amid fears of oil supply disruption.
Russia & China React
Moscow and Beijing raise diplomatic objections, calling for restraint and warning of wider regional destabilisation.
Canada Questions Strike Legality
Canada’s Prime Minister said the US-Israeli strikes on Iran appear inconsistent with international law, noting that military actions should comply with global legal standards and diplomatic principles.
Spain Opposes War Expansion
Spain’s prime minister reiterated his opposition to the conflict, saying that the Spanish government supports peace while warning that further escalation could destabilise global security and trade. Trump has also vowed to sever diplomatic ties with Spain.
Espionage Arrests in Israel
Israeli police announce the arrest of seven suspects accused of spying for Iran and gathering sensitive military information.
Iran Mourns School Victims
Iran is observing nationwide mourning after a reported strike on a girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, where around 165 schoolgirls and staff were said to have been killed. Thousands have gathered for funeral ceremonies as communities grieve the young victims.
Future Leadership Speculation
Mojtaba Khamenei is reported to have survived the recent strikes, and some international assessments consider him a possible figure in Iran’s future political leadership despite holding no official government post.
Israeli Defence Stance Hardens
Israel’s defence leadership has stated that the military will pursue any future Iranian leader succeeding the current political authority, signalling continued strategic pressure.
ASEAN Expresses Serious Concern
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has expressed serious concern over the expanding Middle East conflict and urged all parties to respect international law. ASEAN warned that the US-Israeli attacks and counterattacks across the Gulf region heighten civilian risk and threaten global peace and stability.
Missile and Drone Interceptions Reported
Turkey’s defence ministry said NATO air defence systems intercepted an Iranian missile approaching its airspace. Saudi Arabia also reported a drone attempt targeting a major oil refinery, though officials confirmed no damage was recorded.
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