Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles aimed at the joint U.S.-U.K. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia but failed to hit their intended target. Israeli officials characterized this incident as evidence of Iran’s potential capability to strike European targets, while British officials stated there is no assessment supporting claims that Tehran could attack Europe.
U.S. officials confirmed one missile malfunctioned during flight and a U.S. warship launched an SM-3 interceptor against the second missile, though it remains uncertain whether the interception was successful.
British officials noted that the attack occurred prior to London’s approval of expanded U.S. use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for defensive operations against Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Gulf.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated that Iran launched two missiles with a range of 4,000 kilometers targeting Diego Garcia, asserting that such capabilities could potentially reach parts of Europe.
However, British Cabinet minister Steve Reed stated on Sunday that there is no assessment supporting claims that Iran intends to strike Europe or possesses the capability to do so.
The British government clarified that RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus will not participate in the ongoing UK-U.S. agreement for the use of British bases in what it describes as collective self-defense against Iranian missile capabilities.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated in Parliament last week that the UK has authorized the use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia exclusively for defensive strikes and will not be drawn into a wider conflict.
The incident has intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the level of British support for U.S. military operations.
The incident also highlighted Diego Garcia’s critical strategic role.
Diego Garcia hosts approximately 2,500 personnel, mostly American, and has become central to U.S. operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.
