USS Asheville Sinking of Iranian Frigate Stirs Controversy in Australia and India

The USS Asheville, a US nuclear-powered attack submarine, sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing or leaving missing 148 crew members. Three Royal Australian Navy sailors were aboard during the strike, prompting Prime Minister Albanese to clarify that no Australian personnel participated in offensive action, as they serve on US submarines for AUKUS training purposes. Indian opposition leaders criticized PM Modi's silence over the deaths, noting the Iranian ship had recently participated in a fleet review and naval exercises in India. Analysts say the incident may strain US-India military ties, though a severing of security relationships remains unlikely.