Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant escalation and its first known strike attempt beyond the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.
According to multiple US officials, neither missile hit the base. One missile reportedly failed mid-flight, while a US warship launched an SM-3 interceptor at the second. It remains unclear whether that missile was successfully intercepted.
The reported strike came just hours after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the US to use key British-linked military bases, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford (in Gloucestershire), to launch operations targeting Iranian positions linked to theStrait of Hormuz.
Until now, Starmer had limited US access to these bases strictly to defensive actions, primarily to intercept threats that could endanger British lives or interests. However, in a significant policy shift, Downing Street confirmed on Friday that ministers approved an expansion of operational scope.
The new authorization allows US forces to carry out strikes aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the strait, a critical global oil transit route. Officials emphasized that the move still falls under the framework of “collective self-defence,” even as it broadens the range of permissible military actions.
The attempted strike underscores Iran’s ability to project force far beyond its immediate region. Diego Garcia lies 3,795 kilometers (about 2,358 miles) from Iran, raising new questions about the true range of Tehran’s missile capabilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously stated that Iran had intentionally capped its missile range at 2,000 kilometers.
However, independent assessments suggest otherwise. Iran Watch, part of the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, says Iran possesses operational missiles capable of reaching 4,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, Israel’s Alma Research and Education Center estimates a range of around 3,000 kilometers, with reports indicating ongoing development of longer-range systems.
The targeted base on Diego Garcia holds major strategic importance. Located on a remote island in the British Indian Ocean Territory, it serves as a key hub for US and UK military operations, hosting bombers, nuclear submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.
The strike also comes amidgeopolitical sensitivitiessurrounding the island. The United Kingdom has been in discussions to transfer sovereignty of Diego Garcia and the broader Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while maintaining a long-term lease for continued military use by the US and UK President Donald Trump and several Republican lawmakers have opposed the proposal.
While the missiles failed to reach their target, the attempt signals a widening scope in the conflict and highlights growing concerns over Iran’s expanding military reach.
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