The conflict has expanded dramatically to the sea after a U.S. Navy submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean – the first torpedo sinking of a warship since World War II. The vessel was returning from joint exercises with India. In immediate retaliation, Iran claims it struck U.S. diplomatic and military targets across West Asia.

Pentagon-released footage confirms the sinking, while Iranian media broadcast images of damage to U.S. facilities. The naval escalation has raised fears for commercial shipping safety and prompted India and other nations to issue advisories to their vessels.

Regional analysts describe this as a dangerous new phase that could further destabilize global energy routes.