A UK minister has confirmed that Iran launched two missiles at the joint British-American military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, but both failed to hit their target—one fell short and the other was intercepted.
“Our assessment is that the Iranians certainly targeted Diego Garcia. As we understand it, one missile fell short, failed. The other was intercepted and prevented,” Housing Secretary Steve Reed told BBC television on Sunday.
He added there is no evidence of direct threats to the UK. “There is no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the U.K. or even could if they wanted to.”
The Diego Garcia outpost, leased by Britain to the U.S. since 1966, serves as a critical hub for long-range operations and surveillance. Israel’s military identified the weapons as advanced ballistic missiles with range to reach European capitals.
“These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range extends to the capitals of Europe—Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence condemned Iran’s reckless regional attacks, including threats to the Strait of Hormuz, while noting RAF assets continue defending personnel. “[Royal Air Force] jets and other U.K. military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region.” The failed strike preceded London’s approval for limited U.S. use of the base and RAF Fairford for defensive actions.
This comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to reopen Hormuz or face power plant strikes.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” he warned.
Iran vowed retaliation, as strikes near Israel’s Dimona nuclear site wounded dozens and oil prices soared to $112 per barrel. The U.S. waived sanctions on Iranian oil sales, with G7 backing regional allies.