NewKerala.com

Iran Mourns Sailors Lost in US Strike on IRIS Dena Frigate

A funeral procession was held in Tehran for sailors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena, which was sunk by a U.S. torpedo off the coast of Sri Lanka. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the strike as an "inhumane crime" and expressed solidarity with the victims' families. The Indian Navy assisted in search and rescue operations following the incident. This event occurs amid heightened regional tensions following the death of Iran's former Supreme Leader.

Key Points: Iran Holds Funeral for Sailors After US Sinks IRIS Dena

  • IRIS Dena sunk by US torpedo
  • Over 80 sailors reported dead
  • Iranian President condemns strike
  • Conflict escalated after Khamenei's death
  • Indian Navy assisted rescue ops
2 min read

Iran: Funeral procession held for IRIS Dena sailors

Funeral held in Tehran for sailors killed when US torpedo sank Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. President Pezeshkian condemns "inhumane crime."

"I once again condemn this inhumane crime - President Masoud Pezeshkian"

Tehran, March 18

The funeral procession of the sailors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena took place at the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine in Tehran on Tuesday, as reported by Press TV.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Ship (IRIS) Dena sank on March 4 after the frigate was hit by a US torpedo and sunk approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle in Sri Lanka.

In a post on X, the Iranian state media said, "Procession of the martyrs of the IRIS Dena at the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine in northern Tehran"

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his condolences over the deaths of sailors aboard IRIS Dena.

In a post on X, the Iranian President also condemned the US strike on the vessel as an "inhumane crime", stating that the Islamic Republic still mourns the loss of "20 eternal masterpieces and 84 innocent sea-lovers".

He added that the names of the fallen naval personnel would endure "like the steadfast peaks of Dena" and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and their comrades in the Iranian Navy.

"Today, the hearts of the people of Iran grieve for the memory of 20 eternal masterpieces and 84 innocent sea-lovers of the "Dena" ship. The names of the proud men of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army will remain tall and enduring, like the steadfast peaks of Dena. I once again condemn this inhumane crime and extend my condolences to their patient families and comrades," his post read.

The Indian Navy then deployed INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak, along with maritime patrol aircraft, like its P8Is, to assist in the Sri Lanka-led search and rescue operations for the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena.

Of the estimated 180 crew members on board IRIS Dena, over 80 sailors are reported dead, while other survivors were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy and admitted to hospitals in Galle.

This development comes amid the escalating conflict that began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the former leader, was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
My heart goes out to the families of the sailors. 84 innocent lives lost is a huge tragedy, regardless of nationality or politics. The sea is a dangerous place, and such incidents remind us of the bravery of those who serve on it. 🙏
A
Arjun K
The geopolitical situation is getting more dangerous by the day. This conflict in the Gulf affects global oil prices and our economy directly. We need strong diplomacy to ensure stability, especially with our vital energy imports passing through those waters.
S
Sarah B
While the loss of life is tragic, the article's narrative feels one-sided. It only quotes Iranian state media and the President. A more balanced report would include the US perspective on why the strike happened. Journalism should present all sides.
V
Vikram M
The Indian Ocean is our backyard. It's good to see our navy assisting in SAR operations with Sri Lanka. This builds goodwill and shows our capability. We must keep the sea lanes safe for trade. Jai Hind!
K
Kiran H
So much instability. First the Supreme Leader's death, now this. A dynastic succession (son taking over) in Iran is surprising. Hope cooler heads prevail. Another war is the last thing the world needs right now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50