Reports indicate missiles targeted the Diego Garcia base, amid ongoing tensions from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, as Tehran rejects the accusations.
The United Kingdom has condemned alleged Iranian missile launches targeting the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to US media reports, the incident involved two ballistic missiles, one of which failed mid-flight and the other intercepted by a US warship.
Iran has denied responsibility for the launches, with a senior Iranian official stating to Al Jazeera that Tehran was not involved. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously asserted in an interview that Iran limits its missile range to under 2,000 km to avoid being seen as a threat.
Context of the Incident
The alleged attack occurred amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28 and aims to degrade Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The United Nations nuclear watchdog and US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard have stated that Iran is not on the verge of developing nuclear bombs.
UK officials, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, emphasized that the UK is not involved in offensive actions but is committed to defending its personnel. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK would not use its Cyprus base for Iran-related operations.
Experts like Muhanad Seloom from the Doha Institute suggested the incident reveals Iran may have missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 km, potentially altering the conflict's dynamics. Israel's military chief, Eyal Zamir, claimed the missiles were a two-stage intercontinental type with a 4,000 km range, though not aimed at Israel.
The US has not officially commented on the event, but reports indicate the base, located 4,000 km from Iran, hosts US B-2 bombers and refueling planes. This development could heighten concerns among allies like the UK and European Union regarding Iran's capabilities.
