Originally Posted by
LongTimeInCX
I would be interested to read the source if you can provide a link.
I agree, it could be possible, but, unless that could be confirmed with 100% certainty, it was a threat
May I ask, did you also read the MILAN exercise included live fire exercises? I personally am unaware whether IRIS Dena participated in that aspect or not, are you from what you have read?
Could you as the US submarine Captain be certain whether they did or not, and, whether even if they did, is it likely they expended all their offensive munitions?
Secondly, I assume you are also aware IRIS Dena was accompanied by a support ship IRIS Bushehr? Such support vessels are known to carry fuel and weapons along with rations and spares etc.
Captain Abuzar Zarri of IRIS Dena would have known of the tensions building in the Middle East and the worsening geopolitical situation, prior to leaving Vishakhpatnam. Therefore, if he is going to be sailing back into a possible war zone, I feel it was a strong possibility, that Captain Zarri would have ensured his vessel was loaded with as full a complement of weapons and fuel, from the support ship IRIS Bushehr, as possible.
The US submarine Captain would no doubt have significantly greater intelligence than us mere keyboard peons, and at the very least assumed similar.
Even if it was unarmed, I’d opine that in the circumstances, the submarine Captain would not have the luxury of giving them the benefit of doubt.
Moral: Don’t bring an empty tin can to a submarine fight.
What was the frigate a threat to? It was in international waters a long way from the combat zone. If the allegations are true, the US were in a position to know as it is claimed they were invited to the same exercise. While it is not normal practice for a boat to surface after an attack, this is because of the threat. In this case, what was the threat to the submarine? Were there any hostile vessels or ac remotely close?
As to sources,
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/e...503566523.html
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/...ranian-warship