Sri Lanka takes over Iranian vessel, Italy to deploy frigate to Cyprus
發佈日期: 2026-03-08 21:04
TVB News
The broadening Middle East conflict is putting strategically located Sri Lanka in a delicate position as it tries to balance humanitarian obligations, international maritime law and its longstanding policy of non-alignment.
Sri Lanka has transferred more than 200 sailors from an Iranian naval vessel to shore after it sought assistance while anchored outside the country's waters.
A Sri Lankan naval vessel approaches the Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr.
A Sri Lankan navy spokesperson said 204 sailors from the IRIS Bushehr were brought to Welisara Naval Base near the capital Colombo, where they underwent border control procedures and medical tests.
About 15 others were left aboard the ship with Sri Lankan navel personnel for assistance because they had reported a fault with the ship.
Sri Lanka's president said that authorities had decided to take control of the Iranian vessel after discussions with officials and the ship's captain, after one of the engines failed.
The navy spokesperson said the ship would be taken to the port of Trincomalee in eastern Sri Lanka and remain in Sri Lankan custody until further notice.
Iranian media have described the IRIS Bushehr as a navy logistics ship.
The Sri Lankan government took custody of the vessel after the U.S. sank an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena off the country's coast on Wednesday.
This as Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Saturday that the Italian government is deploying a frigate to Cyprus and that Rome is in constant dialogue with France, Germany and the United Kingdom to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
She added, "Italy is not part of the conflict and does not intend to become part of it."
