New Delhi, March 7: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Wijitha Herath, has affirmed that the country will treat Iranian sailors in accordance with international law. This statement follows the rescue of Iranian sailors from a torpedoed frigate. Reports suggest that Washington is pressuring Colombo not to return them.
During a conference in New Delhi, Minister Herath stated that Sri Lanka is caring for the 32 sailors of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena under the terms of international treaties.
On Wednesday, a U.S. submarine sank the frigate near Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Following the attack, Sri Lanka dispatched its navy to rescue the sailors.
When asked if the U.S. had pressured Colombo to not hold the Iranians, Herath responded, “We have taken all steps in accordance with international laws.”
On March 4, the U.S. attacked and sank the warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, condemned the act as barbaric. He stated on social media platform X, “The frigate Dena, which was a guest ship of the Indian Navy and had around 130 sailors, collided in international waters without warning. Remember my words, the U.S. will deeply regret this precedent.”
The ship was returning from a naval exercise with India when it was attacked.
Sri Lanka also provided safe harbor to another Iranian warship, IRIS Bushehr, and rescued its 219 crew members a day after the torpedo incident. The ship was taken to Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast after reporting engine issues.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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