April 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath recently engaged in a telephone discussion with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
According to a statement released by the Embassy of Iran in Sri Lanka, the Iranian Foreign Minister conveyed his government’s gratitude for Sri Lanka’s role in the rescue efforts involving sailors from the IRIS Dena.
He also acknowledged Colombo’s assistance in facilitating the repatriation of the remains of crew members from the vessel, along with other Iranian naval personnel, back to Iran. The gesture was described as a significant act of cooperation during a difficult moment.
During the exchange, Minister Araghchi strongly criticised actions attributed to the United States and Israel, outlining what he characterised as serious offences committed against Iran. Referring specifically to the strike on the IRIS Dena, he labelled it an “unprecedented war crime”, asserting that such an act represents a severe breach of established principles under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.
He further remarked that the Iranian people would not forget the incident and emphasised Tehran’s intention to pursue accountability through all available legal and diplomatic avenues. This, he suggested, would involve sustained efforts to identify and act against those deemed responsible.
Beyond the immediate issue, the two ministers also reviewed the broader trajectory of bilateral relations and exchanged views on current regional developments. Observers note that the conversation reflects continued engagement between Colombo and Tehran, particularly at a time when geopolitical tensions remain heightened.