'Sink me now or sink me later': Retired US Navy Captain on downing of Iran ship off Sri Lankan coast

SUMMARY

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  • **A US Submarine Sank an Iranian Frigate:** On March 4, 2026, a US submarine used a torpedo to sink the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. This marks the first time a US submarine has sunk an enemy vessel since World War II. The incident has raised questions about legality and compliance with international law.
  • **US Policy Prioritizes Eliminating the Iranian Navy:** Retired US Navy Captain Brent Sadler, now a Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, explained that US policy, directed by the White House and President Trump, aims to "sink the Iranian Navy" to protect shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. This policy overrides concerns about international law and prioritizes national security interests.
  • **A Second Iranian Ship Faces Uncertainty:** With the sinking of the Dena, a second Iranian logistics ship, the IRIS Bushehr, is currently docked in Sri Lanka. It faces a precarious situation, potentially becoming subject to an embargo or risking further targeting if it attempts to leave port.
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