Sri Lankan officials have confirmed that a second Iranian ship has entered the nation's territorial waters, just one day after an American submarine torpedoed an Iranian vessel off the coast, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. This development intensifies regional tensions following recent military strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Humanitarian Response Amidst Denied Docking
Cabinet spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa stated on Wednesday that Sri Lanka is not permitting the ship to dock but is offering some humanitarian assistance to safeguard lives. He emphasised, "We are doing our utmost to safeguard lives," though he did not specify whether the vessel is naval or commercial. Two other Sri Lankan officials reported that the boat is approximately 20 miles south of Colombo, the capital, and had requested docking approval on Wednesday, which was not granted.
Details of the Initial Attack
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the military struck an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka's coast on Wednesday, killing over 80 people and injuring dozens more. He displayed footage of the attack in the Indian Ocean, referring to the targeted ship as the Islamic Republic's "prize ship" and declaring, "The Iranian navy rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf." The attacked vessel, the frigate Iris Dena, was torpedoed in international waters on Tuesday with 180 people on board.
Sri Lanka's Rescue Efforts and Diplomatic Moves
Sri Lanka's foreign minister, Vijitha Herath, informed parliament that the navy received distress signals from the sinking Iris Dena. The island nation dispatched ships and air force planes for a rescue mission. Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath noted that upon arrival, there was no sign of the ship, only oil patches and life rafts, with people found floating in the water. Preparations are underway to hand over the remains of 87 Iranian soldiers killed in the attack, while 32 survivors are receiving medical treatment under elite security supervision.
Regional Conflict and Shipping Disruptions
The unrest follows US and Israeli strikes against Iran on Saturday, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. This conflict has paralysed shipping routes, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming "complete control" of the international waterway. More than 100 crew members on the second Iranian ship fear a similar attack, according to AFP reports.
Background on Iranian Naval Presence
The Iris Dena had recently participated in exercises as part of the International Fleet Review 2026, a military exercise hosted by India, and the 2026 MILAN multinational naval exercise. It was returning from these exercises, sailing through the Indian Ocean past Sri Lanka's coast and transiting a major shipping route when attacked. The armed carrier was one of Iran's most modern warships, equipped with heavy guns, missiles, torpedoes, and a helicopter. Sri Lanka has maintained neutrality in the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Upcoming Diplomatic Discussions
Sri Lanka's President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, will meet with top officials on Thursday to discuss a response to Iran's request for safe entry into its waters. This meeting aims to address the escalating situation and ensure regional stability amidst heightened military tensions.
