Iran’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alireza Delkhosh, has claimed that Iranian warships were heading to Sri Lankan waters at the country’s invitation prior to the attack involving one of the vessels, while also confirming ongoing talks with Colombo to take the remaining sailors home.
Speaking during a media interaction on the incident involving the Iranian vessel “Dena”, the envoy said the ships had been engaged in non-combat activities and were in the region for peaceful purposes.
“Dena was not ready for war. It was not here for war. It was not here for conflict. It was participating in peaceful exercises in India,” he said.
He further stressed that the vessels had been invited to Sri Lanka.
“They were invited by the Sri Lankan side to come here… they came here upon their invitation. I repeat, invited by the Sri Lankan side,” the ambassador said, claiming the Sri Lanka Navy Commander had extended the invitation during a meeting in India.
Delkhosh also alleged that the vessel was attacked without prior warning.
“They did not receive any alert in advance… they attacked it without any warning,” he claimed.
He added that many onboard were not combat personnel.
“Most of the people were not army… they were a music group, a music band,” he said, alleging that 104 people had been killed in the incident.
Providing an update on those injured, the ambassador said most were in stable condition.
“The wounded persons fortunately are good… except two or three of them, the others are in good situation and they don’t have any serious problem,” he said.
He also thanked Sri Lanka for its hospitality in caring for those affected.
He noted that those currently in Sri Lanka were safe but concerned about being separated from their families.
“They are good and they are happy, no problem… just their worry is that they are separated from their family and they want to go back as soon as possible,” he said.
The envoy confirmed that Iran is in discussions with the Sri Lankan government to secure their return.
“We are talking and we are following this issue with the Sri Lankan government and I do hope that we can solve this problem as soon as possible,” he added.
According to Iranian officials, 251 sailors are currently being held in Sri Lanka, with negotiations underway for their early release under international maritime conventions.
India has already repatriated more than 100 sailors from another vessel, IRIS Lavan. (Newswire)