Overview
- Iran launched two intermediate‑range ballistic missiles toward the joint U.S.–U.K. base on Diego Garcia, and U.K. officials confirmed neither struck the target.
- U.S. officials said one missile failed in flight while a U.S. warship fired an SM‑3 interceptor at the second, with the outcome of that engagement not yet confirmed.
- The attempted strike, at roughly 3,800–4,000 kilometers from Iran, challenges Tehran’s public claim of a 2,000‑kilometer range cap and is reported as its first operational IRBM use.
- British officials said the launch occurred before London announced permission for specific, limited U.S. defensive operations from U.K. bases, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford.
- Iranian statements warned that British lives were at risk, heightening diplomatic tensions as analysts note Diego Garcia’s strategic role and potential implications for European security and Strait of Hormuz shipping.