Iran launched two long-range ballistic missiles targeting the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, marking the furthest attempted strike by Tehran. One missile was intercepted by the US, while the other failed mid-flight. Analysts confirm this is the longest-range Iranian missile attack to date, exceeding previous estimates of a 2,000km limit.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned that Iran’s missile capabilities now threaten European capitals, including Berlin, Paris, and Rome. However, the UK government dismissed these claims, stating there is no specific assessment that Britain is at risk. Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK’s layered defense systems, including naval and air capabilities, to protect against such threats.
Experts debate the UK’s preparedness, with some arguing that London lacks sufficient air defenses against ballistic missiles. Former Army intelligence officer Phil Ingram criticized the country’s limited anti-drone and cruise missile capabilities, while military analyst Michael Clarke described the UK’s defenses as fragmented. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on economic risks, convening a COBRA meeting to address potential disruptions from the Middle East conflict rather than military considerations.
The incident has raised concerns about Iran’s expanding missile range and the effectiveness of Western defenses. Analysts note that the attack challenges previous assumptions about Iran’s capabilities, with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stating it upends expectations about the threat posed to Europe.