Tensions in the Indian Ocean are increasing after a second Iranian warship moved close to Sri Lanka. The development comes just one day after a U.S. submarine destroyed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan officials said the new warship is currently outside the country’s territorial waters and has asked for permission to enter the port.
Ship Carrying More Than 100 Crew Members
Officials said the Iranian vessel is carrying more than 100 crew members. There are fears that the ship could also be attacked, similar to the earlier Iranian ship that was sunk.
Sri Lankan Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that the government is closely watching the situation.
“We are doing our best to protect lives,” he said.
The ship has requested an urgent port call and is waiting for approval from the Sri Lankan government.
Political Leaders Ask Government for Clear Decision
Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa asked the government to clearly explain its position on the matter.
He said the government should quickly decide whether the warship will be allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters.
Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is holding meetings with top officials to discuss the situation.
Rescue Work Continues After Warship Attack
The second warship arrived near Sri Lanka after the deadly attack on IRIS Dena. The Iranian frigate was destroyed by a torpedo fired from a U.S. submarine.
At least 87 sailors were killed in the attack. Sri Lankan rescue teams managed to save 32 sailors, who are now receiving treatment at a hospital in Galle.
Search operations are still going on for about 60 sailors who are missing.
Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said teams are continuing to search the sea area where the ship sank.
Iranian Ship Was Returning From Naval Event in India
Reports said the Iranian frigate was returning from a naval event hosted by India when it was attacked.
The ship had taken part in the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
Iran strongly criticized the attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the ship was attacked without warning in international waters.
He also described the vessel as a “guest of India’s Navy” because it had recently taken part in the exercise.
Tensions Growing in the Region
The attack has raised fears that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is spreading beyond the Middle East.
Iran has warned that the United States will regret the attack and has launched new strikes on American and Israeli bases.
US President Donald Trump has also spoken about the possibility of changing Iran’s leadership, though the exact plan remains unclear.
Sri Lanka Tries to Stay Neutral
Sri Lanka is trying to remain neutral and has called for peace and dialogue. However, the arrival of another Iranian warship has put the country in a difficult situation.
Iran is also an important buyer of Sri Lankan tea, which is the country’s main export product.
For now, the second Iranian warship remains outside Sri Lanka’s waters, waiting for a decision from the government while tensions continue to rise in the Indian Ocean.
Clyde Evans is the lead editor for White Pine Tribune. Clyde has been working as a freelance journalist for nearly a decade having published stories in many print and digital publications including, the Financial Post and the Huff Post Canada. Clyde is based in Toronto and covers issues affecting his city and province. When he’s not busy writing, Trevor enjoys canoeing.
