Pentagon Releases Video of Iranian Warship Sinking in Indian Ocean

The Pentagon has published dramatic footage showing the moment a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. The strike took place roughly 25 miles off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to U.S. officials.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed at a Pentagon briefing that an American submarine carried out the attack, describing it as a “quiet death” delivered by torpedo.

He added that it marked the first time since World War II that an enemy vessel had been sunk by torpedo in combat.

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Casualties Mount as Sri Lanka Leads Rescue Effort

Sri Lankan authorities say the aftermath has been devastating. Initial reports confirmed at least 80 fatalities, though later updates from local officials indicated that 87 bodies had been recovered. More than 60 sailors remain missing.

The warship, which reportedly carried about 180 personnel, had been returning from military exercises in India when it was struck.

Sri Lanka’s navy and air force launched a search-and-rescue mission, pulling 32 survivors from the water and transporting them to a hospital in Galle. Officials say hopes are fading for many of those still unaccounted for.

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Conflict Expands Beyond the Middle East

The sinking comes amid a rapidly widening conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. NATO confirmed it intercepted and destroyed an Iranian missile that was heading toward Turkish airspace.

Turkish officials said the missile was not aimed at Turkey but likely veered off course while targeting a base in Greek Cyprus.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial artery for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments — has effectively ground to a halt.

More than 200 vessels, including tankers and cargo ships, are anchored in open waters as regional energy flows are disrupted. Qatar has suspended gas output, and Iraq has reduced oil production due to storage shortages.

Overnight, Iranian drones struck the U.S. consulate in Dubai, igniting a fire, while a missile reportedly hit America’s largest military base in Qatar.

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U.S. Signals Escalation in Air Campaign

At the same Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said the U.S. and Israel intend to secure “complete control” of Iranian airspace within days. He described a campaign focused on neutralizing Iran’s missile systems and defense infrastructure.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine reported that Iranian ballistic missile launches had dropped sharply since the first day of fighting, while drone activity had also declined significantly.

According to U.S. officials, these developments have enabled American forces to establish localized air superiority along parts of Iran’s southern coast.

Hegseth also revealed that a senior Iranian official allegedly involved in a past assassination plot against Donald Trump had been killed during operations, though he did not disclose the individual’s name.

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Investigations and Controversy

The Pentagon said it is investigating reports that a girls’ school in Iran may have been struck during military operations.

Hegseth stressed that civilian targets are not intentionally targeted but confirmed that an inquiry is underway.

The escalation has also prompted political ripples abroad.

The United Kingdom is weighing its position as Prime Minister Keir Starmer insists Britain has learned lessons from past Middle East conflicts.

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Impact and Consequences

• Significant loss of life following the sinking of the IRIS Dena.
• Major disruption to global oil and gas shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Heightened military tensions as U.S. and Israeli air campaigns intensify.
• NATO’s involvement signals broader international implications.
• Increased risk of regional spillover beyond the Middle East.

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What’s Next?

• Search-and-rescue efforts off Sri Lanka are expected to continue as families await updates on missing sailors.
• The U.S. air campaign over Iran appears set to expand in the coming days.
• Energy markets will closely monitor shipping conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Diplomatic efforts may intensify as global leaders push to prevent further escalation.

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Summary

The United States has confirmed it sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena with a submarine-launched torpedo in the Indian Ocean, resulting in heavy casualties.

The strike comes amid a fast-spreading conflict involving Iran, Israel, NATO, and U.S. forces.

With shipping routes disrupted, missile interceptions underway, and airspace battles escalating, the confrontation shows little sign of slowing.

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Bulleted Takeaways

• U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka.
• At least 80 confirmed dead, with dozens still missing.
• NATO intercepted an Iranian missile heading toward Turkey.
• Strait of Hormuz shipping severely disrupted.
• U.S. and Israel aim to gain full control of Iranian airspace.
• Pentagon investigating reports of civilian site damage.