Trump's controversial remark: 'More fun to sink' Iranian warship, 87 sailors killed
Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his comments on the sinking of Iran's warship Iris Dena, saying it's "more fun to sink ships" than capture them. The ship was sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 Iranian servicemen, while it was returning from the MILAN naval exercise hosted by India
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Amid the ongoing military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran over the past ten days, a statement by US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy. Trump recently made comments about the sinking of the Iranian warship Iris Dena, drawing international criticism.
It's more fun to sink ships
US President Trump said that the US military had told him that it's more fun to destroy or sink ships than to capture them. Describing his conversation with the US military, Trump said, "It's more fun to sink a ship. They like sinking it more. They say it's safer to sink it. I think that's probably true."
Last week, the Iranian warship Iris Dena was sunk in an attack by a US submarine. At least 87 Iranian servicemen were reportedly killed in the attack. The ship was returning home after participating in the MILAN naval exercise, a multilateral naval exercise hosted by India.
Iran has strongly condemned this action and called it a violation of international law. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said that the attack on an unarmed ship is unacceptable and those responsible for it will have to answer. He warned that a befitting response will be given to this incident. On the other hand, Trump, referring to the ongoing US-Israeli military operation Operation Epic Fury against Iran, claimed that major damage is being caused to Tehran's military capabilities. Trump said that through this joint operation, Iran's drone and missile capabilities are being destroyed and its naval power has been almost destroyed.
Trump also claimed that 46 Iranian ships had been destroyed at sea so far. These claims have not been independently verified, while Iran has consistently vowed to retaliate against US and Israeli attacks.