The United States is applying diplomatic pressure on Sri Lanka to prevent the repatriation of survivors from the Iranian naval ship 'Dena', which sank after being struck by a US submarine torpedo. According to a leaked internal document from the US State Department, Acting US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jane Howell has insisted that Sri Lanka should not send back the survivors and crew members of the Iranian supply ship 'Bushehr' which were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy. The reasoning provided by US officials is the concern that Iran could exploit these survivors for propaganda purposes.

On August 4th, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that a US Navy submarine had sunk the Iranian naval ship in the Indian Ocean, a significant event marking the first time since World War II that a torpedo has sunk a vessel in such a manner. The 'Dena' sank shortly after sending a distress signal near the south of Sri Lanka, with 32 of its 180 crew rescued, while 87 bodies have been recovered from the sea. Shortly after the incident, survivors from another Iranian ship, 'Bushehr', requested rescue from Sri Lankan authorities and have since been housed at Trincomalee Port.

The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as acting US officials, including Ambassador Howell, have reassured Israeli diplomats that Sri Lanka will not allow the repatriation of the ship's crew. This diplomatic interaction illustrates the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as Sri Lanka's President Anura Disanayake pledged neutrality in the increasing tensions between the US and Iran, aiming not to side with either party during ongoing conflicts.