Sri Lanka’s Decision to Assist Iranian Vessel Receives Wide International Appreciation
12-Mar-2026Sri Lanka’s Decision to Assist Iranian Vessel Receives Wide International Appreciation
International political analysts and experts have expressed appreciation and support for Sri Lanka’s decision to assist an Iranian naval vessel that had faced a security threat, stating that the move has positioned Sri Lanka as the true guardian of the Indian Ocean.
Following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israeli airstrike on February 28, tensions in the Middle East have intensified.
In a related development, the Iranian Navy warship IRIS Dena, which had participated in the International Naval Exhibition organised by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25 and was returning home, was sunk on the morning of Mach 4 about 40 nautical miles south of Galle after an attack allegedly carried out by a US nuclear submarine.
Amid the tense situation that emerged thereafter, another Iranian Navy warship, IRIS Bushehr, sought permission from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter Colombo Port citing security concerns.
Approval was granted on the night of March 5 and the vessel was brought into Colombo Port the following day. A total of 208 personnel on board were rescued safely, after which the vessel was directed to the Trincomalee Port.
Sri Lanka’s decision has attracted considerable international attention and has been widely praised as a humanitarian, courageous, and internationally lawful action.
Political analyst Karl Shah wrote on his X platform that Sri Lanka not only allowed the Iranian vessel into its port and provided protection but also rescued Iranian sailors from the sunken IRIS Dena.
He further noted that although the vessel had been a guest of India, the Indian government remained silent on the matter, adding that Sri Lanka’s actions have positioned it as the true guardian of the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, American journalist Ryan Grim also praised Sri Lanka’s humanitarian intervention on X, stating that people should understand that public anger is directed at the United States for merely watching as the sailors from the attacked vessel struggled in the sea. He noted that, fortunately, Sri Lanka’s humanitarian action resulted in the rescue of 32 individuals.
Ocean affairs analyst Colin Munro also commented on X that he had spent several days in Sri Lanka and was deeply impressed by the warmth and friendliness of its people. He added that he is now even more impressed by the sense of justice and courage demonstrated under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
In addition, many individuals on social media platforms such as Facebook and X have been posting messages praising the decision taken by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the cooperation extended by the people of Sri Lanka.
