During a press briefing on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an American Navy submarine successfully sank an Iranian warship using a single Mark 48 torpedo. According to Pentagon officials, the strike marks the first time since World War II that a U.S. submarine has destroyed an enemy vessel with a torpedo.
Hegseth described the attack as a “quiet death,” emphasizing the precision and effectiveness of the submarine strike. The Iranian ship was reportedly operating in international waters when it was targeted. The submarine, identified as a U.S. Navy fast-attack vessel, launched the torpedo, which struck the ship and sent it to the bottom of the ocean. The Pentagon later released newly captured footage that appears to show the moment of the strike. The short video highlights the accuracy and destructive power of the torpedo used in the operation. Officials said the vessel was effectively neutralized by a single shot.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, who joined Hegseth at the briefing, confirmed that the operation was carried out by the U.S. Navy and that the targeted ship was rendered “combat ineffective.” He noted that the mission demonstrated the capability and readiness of U.S. naval forces. Hegseth also stated that the operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at countering Iranian military capabilities. According to the Defense Secretary, the objective is to eliminate threats posed by Iranian missiles, drones, and related military infrastructure while preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The Pentagon described the strike as a significant demonstration of American naval power and operational precision.
