U.S. sub sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, at least 80 dead

An injured person moves on a wheelchair at the National Hospital Galle where he will receive treatment after a submarine attack on an Iranian ship off Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Thilina Kaluthotage

GALLE, Sri Lanka/WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship ⁠off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ‌said on Wednesday, dramatically widening Washington's pursuit of the Iranian navy.

Sri Lanka's deputy foreign minister said at least 80 people were killed in the attack on the frigate IRIS Dena, which was heading back ​to Iran from an eastern Indian port.