NewKerala.com

Iran's President Condemns US Strike on Navy Ship as "Inhumane Crime"

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated his condemnation of a US torpedo strike that sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, calling it an "inhumane crime." The attack resulted in over 80 sailors reported dead from an estimated 180 crew members. The incident occurs amid a broader regional conflict that began with the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader. Iran has since virtually closed the critical Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy transit.

Key Points: Iran President Slams US for Sinking Navy Frigate

  • President condemns US strike
  • IRIS Dena sank off Sri Lanka
  • Over 80 sailors reported dead
  • Conflict follows Khamenei's death
  • Strait of Hormuz virtually closed
2 min read

Iranian President Pezeshkian again extends condolences over fallen IRIS Dena sailors, slams US strike as "inhumane crime"

President Masoud Pezeshkian condemns the US torpedo strike that sank the IRIS Dena, mourning the sailors lost and extending condolences to families.

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

Tehran, March 17

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday reiterated his condolences over the deaths of sailors aboard the Islamic Republic of Iran Ship Dena 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 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.

Earlier, IRIS Dena sank south of Sri Lanka on March 4 after being struck by a US submarine torpedo approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle.

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.

Due to the conflict in the region, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply.

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
Priya S
This whole situation is so worrying for regional stability. The Strait of Hormuz closure affects everyone, including India's energy imports. Our government needs to navigate this very carefully and push for de-escalation. Diplomacy is the only way.
A
Aman W
While the loss of sailors is sad, we must also ask why an Iranian warship was operating so close to Sri Lanka? The article says it was 40 nautical miles off Galle. The geopolitics of this are complex. India has to protect its interests in the Indian Ocean.
S
Sarah B
Heart goes out to the families of those sailors. 84 innocent lives lost is a huge number. The Indian Navy's quick response with INS Tarangini is commendable. Hope the survivors recover fully.
V
Vikram M
The new Supreme Leader is the son of the previous one? That's interesting. This conflict is escalating too fast. The US strike might be called "inhumane," but we don't know the full provocation. The real victims are always the ordinary soldiers and sailors. A very tense situation for our neighborhood.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, while condolences are important, the President's language calling them "eternal masterpieces" feels a bit over the top for an international audience. It's a military loss. The focus should be on preventing more such incidents and reopening the Strait. Our oil prices are already feeling the pinch.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50