Sri Lanka weighs fate of Iranian sailors rescued from IRIS Dena

Sri Lanka is handling the situation of Iranian sailors rescued from the frigate IRIS Dena in accordance with international law, the country’s foreign minister said, following reports that United States officials had urged Colombo not to send them back to Iran.

According to France 24, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said during a conference in New Delhi that Sri Lanka is currently providing assistance to 32 sailors rescued from the Iranian frigate.

Herath noted that the measures taken by Colombo are being carried out in line with the country’s obligations under international treaties.

The frigate was sunk on Wednesday by a US submarine near Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Following the incident, Sri Lanka deployed its navy to rescue survivors and to search for the bodies of 84 crew members.

When asked whether Washington had pressured Colombo not to return the rescued sailors to Iran, Herath avoided giving a direct response.

“We have taken all necessary steps in accordance with international law,” the minister said.

By Tamilla Hasanova