Iran Launches Missiles at Diego Garcia, Warns UK Lives Are 'In Danger'
Iran has fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards the strategic joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, issuing a stark warning that British lives are now "in danger" following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's decision to support American military actions. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal and the semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr, neither missile struck the target, with one intercepted by a US warship and the other failing mid-flight, as confirmed by multiple officials.
UK Grants US Permission for Defensive Strikes
This aggressive move by Tehran came shortly before British ministers authorised the United States to utilise UK bases, including Diego Garcia, for specific and limited defensive operations aimed at degrading Iranian missile sites threatening the vital Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Defence strongly condemned Iran's latest attack, with a spokesperson stating: "Iran's reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies." The spokesperson further emphasised that RAF jets and other UK military assets continue to defend personnel in the region.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands located approximately 3,800 kilometres (2,360 miles) from Iran, serves as a critical launchpad for US operations in the Middle East. The base features:
- A large airfield capable of accommodating long-range US bombers
- Major fuel storage facilities
- Advanced radar installations
- A deep-water port for naval operations
Despite the UK's agreement to cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius and lease back the base, its strategic value remains paramount for American military endeavours.
Iranian Response and Political Reactions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted angrily to the UK's decision, asserting on social media platform X that Iran will "exercise its right to self-defence." He claimed: "Vast majority of the British People do not want any part in the Israel-US war of choice on Iran. Ignoring his own People, Mr Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran." This escalation follows Iran's recent attacks on Gulf neighbours and its continued stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Political reactions within the UK have been sharply divided. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled Sir Keir's move as the "mother of all U-turns," while the Liberal Democrats and Green Party demanded a parliamentary vote before granting further permissions for US use of British bases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump criticised the UK for not acting faster, having previously pressured NATO allies by calling them "cowards" for refusing to deploy warships to reopen the strait.
Broader Regional Implications
The situation has intensified regional tensions, with RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus reportedly struck by an Iranian drone after the UK government authorised defensive actions from its bases. Prime Minister Starmer is scheduled to convene a Cobra meeting next week to address plans for assisting households affected by the economic fallout from the conflict, highlighting the domestic repercussions of this international crisis.
