Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a startling allegation that Russian spy satellites photographed the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, purportedly "in the interests of Iran." This claim follows an Iranian attack on the base, which saw two ballistic missiles launched from approximately 3,800 kilometres away prior to March 24.
Satellite Surveillance Details Revealed
In a post on X, Zelensky stated he received an intelligence briefing on Saturday detailing Russian satellite activity. He outlined that on March 24, satellites imaged the Diego Garcia facility. Subsequently, on March 25, they captured pictures of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, and on March 26, they photographed the Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, Incirlik Air Base in Turkiye, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Zelensky emphasised, "There are no Ukrainian facilities on this list. But who is helping whom when sanctions are lifted from an aggressor that earns daily revenue and provides intelligence for strikes against American, Middle Eastern, UK, and US–UK bases and so on?"
Iranian Attack and Defence Response
The Iranian missile attack on Diego Garcia occurred before March 24. Reports indicate one missile failed in flight, while the other was successfully intercepted and shot down by the US Navy. This base has become a contentious issue in transatlantic relations, particularly after Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially denied the US permission to launch bombing raids against Iran from Diego Garcia.
Following Tehran's attempt to strike the base, the Prime Minister later authorised Washington to use it for limited strikes against Iranian drone and missile sites threatening British interests and other targets in the Strait of Hormuz.
Escalating Concerns Over Russia-Iran Cooperation
Zelensky's assertions intensify existing worries about collaboration between Tehran and Moscow. The UK Ministry of Defence had previously indicated it was "highly likely" that Russia shared intelligence with Iran even before the outbreak of war last month. This sentiment is now amplified by the latest revelations, suggesting a deepening alliance that could threaten Western military assets in the region.
Other locations mentioned by Zelensky, such as the US Air Force facilities at Prince Sultan Air Base and the Al Udeid base in Qatar, which also houses RAF personnel, have reportedly been attacked by Iran, underscoring the strategic importance of this intelligence sharing.
UK Fuel Duty Controversy Amidst Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, UK ministers face mounting pressure to cancel a planned increase in fuel duty, driven by rising petrol prices and warnings of potential shortages following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed rise stems from the Government's decision in the last budget to end a temporary cut in fuel duty initially implemented after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In broadcast interviews on Sunday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson declined to confirm whether the Government would proceed with the increase, which would see fuel duty rise by 1p per litre in September and an additional 2p in December. She stated, "For now, there is no need to take action, because consumers can know when they go to the pump that freeze remains in place. Of course, we will take a view closer to the time."
Phillipson also sought to downplay fears of fuel shortages, encouraging drivers to fill up their vehicles as usual and assuring the public it is safe to book summer holidays. Conversely, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued that the Government should prioritise "drilling our own oil and gas in the North Sea" rather than considering fuel rationing.
According to the RAC, average petrol prices have surged more than 12% since the conflict began and are on the verge of surpassing 150p per litre for the first time in nearly two years, highlighting the economic impact of the ongoing geopolitical instability.
