Iran denies Hormuz closure, says US sank frigate killing over 100

2026-03-05 - 20:22

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations rejected allegations that Tehran has closed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, characterizing such claims as "baseless and absurd" while reaffirming Iran's commitment to international law and freedom of navigation. The statement Thursday came amid escalating regional tensions following Saturday's US-Israeli strikes that have killed more than 900 Iranians including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Frigate Attack Condemned The mission instead turned the spotlight on what it described as a reckless American attack on the Iranian frigate Dena, which was struck and sunk in international waters off Sri Lanka without warning by a US submarine. The vessel was returning home after participating in a naval exercise hosted by India, carrying approximately 130 sailors. More than 100 crew members were killed, with 32 wounded and many missing. "This reckless attack violates the fundamental principles of international law and freedom of navigation," the mission asserted, adding that it is the United States that has endangered maritime security. Broader Conflict Context The frigate sinking represents a significant escalation in the expanding naval dimension of the conflict. Iran has retaliated for Saturday's initial strikes with waves of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. The Dena attack occurred nearly 2,000 miles from Iranian shores, demonstrating the widening geographic scope of hostilities as the US and Israel continue their military campaign against the Islamic Republic.