UK Minister Dismisses Iran Missile Threat as Exaggerated
Senior minister Steve Reed has suggested that Israeli warnings about Iran developing long-range missiles capable of reaching Europe are exaggerated, firmly stating that the United Kingdom remains safe from such threats. The Housing Secretary emphasised that the British military is "perfectly capable" of protecting the nation, though he repeatedly declined to disclose precise details regarding how close Iranian missiles came to striking the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia.
Defensive Systems in Place
Mr Reed asserted that comprehensive systems and defences are actively protecting the country, insisting there is "no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK or even could, if they wanted to." He reinforced this position during an appearance on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, declaring, "We have the finest military in the world. We are perfectly capable of protecting this country."
To date, the Government has not provided exact details about when two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were fired at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, nor has it revealed their proximity to the target. Reports indicate one missile was intercepted by a US warship, while the other failed during flight—a fact Mr Reed highlighted as evidence that regional defensive capabilities are effectively operational.
International Tensions and Statements
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a 20-minute constructive telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, discussing the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. During the call, President Trump criticised Sir Keir's recent response to the conflict, bluntly describing him as "no Winston Churchill."
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned reporters that Iran now possesses the capacity to reach "deep into Europe," citing previous missile strikes on Cyprus as evidence. He stated, "I've been warning all the time. They have now the capacity to reach deep into Europe. They already have fired on a European country, Cyprus. They are putting everyone in their sights."
On Saturday, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced this marked the first instance of Tehran launching a long-range missile since the war's inception, cautioning that Iran is now capable of targeting major European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. The IDF declared in an official statement, "We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat."
Strategic Location and Capabilities
Diego Garcia, situated approximately 2,360 miles from Iran, hosts a strategic base equipped to accommodate long-range US bombers and naval vessels. The Israeli military claimed the missiles could travel distances of around 4,000 kilometres (2,485 miles), potentially endangering numerous countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
UK Stance on Trump's Ultimatum
Elsewhere, Housing Secretary Steve Reed carefully avoided stating whether the Government supports President Donald Trump's 48-hour deadline for Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz without threat. Early on Sunday, Mr Trump posted on Truth Social, warning that Iran must comply within 48 hours or face the obliteration of its power plants by US forces.
When pressed repeatedly by Sky News's Trevor Phillips regarding the UK's position, Mr Reed declined to comment directly, instead remarking, "I think you need to ask President Trump about the things that President Trump is talking about." He reiterated the UK's commitment to avoiding entanglement in a broader conflict, a stance echoed by other ministers as Iran escalates attacks on Gulf neighbours and maintains a tight grip on shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
