Overview
- The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed that two Iranian intermediate‑range ballistic missiles targeted Diego Garcia but neither hit, with one failing in flight and a U.S. warship firing an SM‑3 at the other as interception success remains unconfirmed.
- U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal described the launch as Iran’s first operational use of intermediate‑range missiles, suggesting potential reach of roughly 3,800–4,000 km beyond Tehran’s publicly stated 2,000 km cap.
- The episode came as Britain authorized the United States to use Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for specific defensive operations to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, though officials differ on whether the launch occurred before that approval.
- Diego Garcia, a remote British territory about 2,360 miles from Iran, is a key hub for U.S. and U.K. long‑range bombers, naval forces and logistics, making it a high‑value test of long‑range strike claims and allied missile defenses.
- Iran framed the action as self‑defence and warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was putting British lives at risk, while London condemned Tehran’s behavior as a threat to British interests and allies.