Bhubaneswar, March 5 -- An Iranian naval vessel was attacked by the United States off the coast of Sri Lanka on Tuesday, leaving at least 87 crew members dead and many others missing. The ship, identified as IRIS Dena, had a total of 180 personnel on board at the time of the incident.

According to available reports, 30 crew members have been rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy. However, authorities fear the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue in the surrounding waters.

The United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has stated that the warship was attacked and sunk by American forces. The vessel was reportedly targeted while it was sailing near Sri Lanka's coastline.

Sources indicate that the ship was returning a...