Colombo: At least two Australian sailors were aboard a US submarine that collided with an Iranian warship in waters off Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 individuals, as reported by a media outlet on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Australians were on the American submarine as part of the AUKUS training rotation, stated 9News. Despite the report, the Australian government has declined to comment on the deployment of its personnel on the US submarine. Australia is part of a trilateral agreement known as AUKUS with the United States and the United Kingdom, aimed at acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

An Australian Defense spokesperson mentioned that there are existing agreements about third-country deployments to ensure the management of Australian interests, adding, "It is not appropriate to go into these details."

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday that an American submarine had attacked the IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy's Southern Fleet. On Thursday, the Iranian foreign minister revealed that 130 sailors were aboard the Iranian warship when it was hit by the US off the coast of Sri Lanka.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused the US of committing an atrocity at sea, noting that the frigate Dena, which was participating in a naval drill off the Indian coast, was struck in international waters without warning. The incident left 32 sailors wounded, with many still missing.

In response to inquiries about the involvement of Australian personnel, Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that specific information regarding Australian Defense Force personnel is not disclosed for operational and security reasons.

This incident in the Indian Ocean occurs amid an ongoing military campaign by Israel and the US against Iran, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 926 individuals, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.