Update - US: Fate of Iranian vessel and crew is Sri Lanka’s call - State Department responds to the Sunday Times

By Tharushi Weerasinghe

The United States has told Sri Lanka that the disposition of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew is a matter for Colombo to resolve under its own laws and international obligations,  while signalling it is in active talks with Sri Lanka to contain Iran's threat to US interests.

The State Department responded earlier this morning to questions submitted by The Sunday Times, on Friday, which asked whether Washington had provided any approval, consultation, or guidance to Colombo on allowing a second Iranian vessel into Sri Lankan waters, and whether the US Embassy had formally briefed the Sri Lankan government following a reported attack.

“The United States, of course, respects and recognizes Sri Lanka’s sovereignty in the handling of this situation. The ultimate disposition of the IRIS Bushehr and its crew, as well as the Iranian sailors rescued at sea, is a decision for Sri Lanka to make pursuant to its domestic law and international legal obligations.”

The spokesperson added: “We are pursuing dialogue with Sri Lanka, and our utmost goal is to mitigate the threat that Iran poses to the United States and our partners.”

The response did not address whether the Embassy had notified or briefed Sri Lankan authorities after the reported attack, or whether any communications clarified the nature of the military operations involved.