US Alerts Sri Lanka Over Iranian Vessels in Nearby International Waters ⚓

• Diplomatic Inquiry: The US Embassy in Colombo alerted Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry regarding the presence of Iranian-flagged vessels in international waters, inquiring if local authorities were tracking their movements. • Vessel Monitoring: Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed 47 vessels—including Iranian-flagged ships, commercial craft, and cargo liners—are currently operating in international waters over 24 nautical miles from Sri Lanka's boundary. • Zero Territorial Incursion: None of the vessels entered Sri Lankan territorial waters, requested facilities, or received aid from the government. • Regional Security Context: Vessels typically remain in international waters off Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia during operational waits amid heightened US-Iran tensions. The Sri Lanka Navy, alongside the Defence and Ports Ministries, continues to monitor the situation without direct intervention.