Iran FM vows legal action against US over torpedo attack on defenseless Dena frigate

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran will pursue the US torpedo attack on the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena through all legal and political channels.

Speaking after visiting an exhibition of belongings of the martyrs of the Dena, Araghchi condemned the attack as a clear war crime, saying the vessel was hundreds of kilometers away from the war zone, unarmed, and on a routine training and ceremonial mission when it was struck without warning by a US submarine.

“What happened is undoubtedly a war crime that will be recorded in history,” Araghchi said. “This action is not a naval victory, it only shows the enemy’s weakness.”

The foreign minister added that the attack, which killed 104 sailors, was an act of cowardice against a defenseless target far from the battlefield.

Araghchi said the Foreign Ministry’s legal department, in coordination with the Navy, is collecting all documents related to the incident for legal follow-up.

“We will never forget or let go of the pure blood of these martyrs,” he said.

Araghchi said the sacrifice of the Dena’s crew, along with that of other martyrs including the children of Minab, helped Iran achieve victory in the war.

“I never believe that the blood of these dear ones was wasted,” he said. “Rather, it watered the strong tree of the Islamic Republic and led to our final victory against enemies who entered the field with all their might but achieved none of their goals.”

Iran urges UN to list US officials behind attack on Dena destroyer as war criminals

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The attack occurred on March 4, as the Dena was returning home after participating in the MILAN 2026 multinational naval exercise hosted by India.

The frigate was approximately 19 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, when it was struck by a Mark 48 torpedo fired from the US Navy’s Los Angeles-class submarine USS Charlotte.

The vessel was unarmed at the time, with 136 crew members on board, 104 of whom were martyred and 32 injured.

Iran has previously warned that the US would “bitterly regret” the attack.

Tehran has described the sinking as a gross violation of international humanitarian law and the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

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