Iran attacks US oil tanker in revenge for destruction of warship

TEHRAN: Iran carried out a missile attack on a U.S. oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf yesterday morning, in retaliation for the sinking of one of its warships in the Indian Ocean. The United States has not yet officially responded.

According to the United Kingdom, an oil tanker was attacked near the Khor Al Zubair port in Iraq. The vessel is believed to be the 'Sonangol Namibe,' sailing under the Bahamas flag. Initial reports said oil had leaked into the sea after the attack, but authorities later clarified that the tanker was not carrying oil. The crew members are believed to be safe. Iran is also reportedly targeting ships linked to U.S. companies or allied countries.

Early Wednesday morning, the United States destroyed the Iranian Navy warship 'IRIS Dena' near Sri Lanka using a submarine torpedo. Search operations are still ongoing for 61 sailors from the vessel. A total of 87 personnel were killed, while 32 sailors were rescued. Sri Lanka will soon hand over the recovered bodies.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said this was the first time since World War II that the United States had destroyed an enemy ship using a torpedo. The number of Iranian ships destroyed by the U.S. has now reportedly crossed 20.

Sri Lanka gives shelter to Iranian sailors
Sri Lanka has provided refuge to 208 sailors aboard the Iranian naval vessel 'IRIS Bushehr.' The ship reached waters about 20 miles south of Colombo yesterday, just outside Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary, and requested assistance, citing the threat of a possible U.S. attack. The vessel also reported engine problems and requested repairs.

Following the request, the Sri Lankan government allowed the ship to dock at Trincomalee for logistical assistance. The Bushehr, a logistics support ship, was returning to Iran after participating in a naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, India.

Fifth day after Khamenei’s death; India expresses condolences
India expressed condolences on the fifth day after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to convey condolences. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over the phone.

Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the embassy and met Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fattahi. Following Khamenei’s death, the Iranian flag at the embassy in Delhi has been flown at half-mast.

The United States would deeply regret destroying the IRIS Dena.
-Abbas Araghchi
Foreign Minister, Iran