At least 130 sailors were on board the IRIS Dena frigate when it was sunk in international waters, according to official statements from Tehran.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed the specific crew numbers while addressing the incident. "The Dena frigate, with 130 sailors on board, was attacked in international waters without warning. Mark my words: the United States will regret the incident it has created," Araghchi stated.
The IRIS Dena is a Mowj-class frigate, which represents a significant component of Iran's domestically produced naval capabilities. These vessels are typically equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes, and naval guns, designed for escort missions and maritime surveillance. The sinking of such a vessel in international waters marks a severe escalation in regional maritime tensions, particularly as US President Donald Trump maintains a policy of maximum pressure and maritime security enforcement in strategic waterways.
