UK Minister Dismisses Iran Missile Threat as Exaggerated, Asserts National Safety
Housing Secretary Steve Reed has suggested that Israeli warnings regarding Iran's development of long-range missiles capable of reaching Europe are overstated, firmly stating that the United Kingdom remains safe from such threats. In an interview on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Reed emphasised the capability of British military forces to protect the nation, though he repeatedly declined to disclose how close Iranian missiles came to striking the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia.
Defensive Capabilities and Missile Incident Details
Reed highlighted that the UK has advanced systems and defences in place, asserting there is "no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK or even could, if they wanted to." He praised the military, calling it "the finest in the world" and perfectly capable of safeguarding the country. The government has not provided exact details on when two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were fired at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands or their proximity to the target.
According to reports, one missile was intercepted by a US warship, while the other failed in flight, which Reed cited as evidence of effective regional defences. Diego Garcia, located approximately 2,360 miles from Iran, serves as a strategic base for US long-range bombers and naval vessels.
Israeli Warnings and Global Concerns
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed on Saturday that this marked Tehran's first long-range missile launch since the conflict began, warning it could now reach cities like London, Paris, or Berlin. In a statement, the IDF declared, "We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat," estimating the missiles' range at about 4,000km (2,485 miles), potentially endangering numerous countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
UK Stance on Trump's Ultimatum and Regional Tensions
Elsewhere, Reed avoided taking a position on whether the UK government supports President Donald Trump's 48-hour deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. Early on Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, demanding Iran "FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz" within 48 hours or face US retaliation against its power plants.
When pressed by Sky News's Trevor Phillips, Reed declined to comment directly, stating, "I think you need to ask President Trump about the things that President Trump is talking about." He reiterated that the UK will not be drawn into a broader conflict, as Iran escalates attacks on Gulf neighbours and maintains control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Ministers have consistently emphasised the UK's commitment to avoiding entanglement in wider hostilities.
