During a major military operation in the Indian Ocean, the Iranian ship IRIS Dina was targeted and destroyed by US forces, resulting in the deaths of 87 people and the injury of 32 others. The incident occurred near the coast of Sri Lanka, after which there has been a wave of concern worldwide.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth confirmed to the media that US forces targeted an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. He said that this operation was part of the US defence strategy and the ship was considered a potential threat.
The destroyed ship was patrolling the Indian Ocean and was part of the 86th flotilla of the Iranian Navy. It was a modern warship built entirely in Iran, armed with Noor and Qadr anti-ship missiles. It was also armed with a 76mm Fajr 27 naval gun and a 30mm gun. The ship, about 95 metres long and weighing 1,500 tonnes, was considered a symbol of Iran’s maritime power.
The ship had completed a global voyage of more than 65,000 kilometres between 2022 and 2023 and had also visited ports in various countries.
China immediately stepped up diplomatic contacts after the incident. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by telephone with the Saudi and Emirati foreign ministers and called for a reduction in tensions in the region.
Wang Yi said that China would send its special representative to mediate in the Middle East. He stressed that the safety of civilians should be ensured at all times and attacks on energy infrastructure or non-military targets should be avoided. According to him, the safety of sea routes is essential for global trade.
International experts say that this incident could intensify diplomatic activities at the global level. If tensions increase, it could have an impact not only on the region but also on the global economy, especially on oil supplies and maritime trade.
The attention of the international community is now focused on whether diplomatic efforts will be able to prevent this crisis from escalating further.
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