Agencies | Srinagar:
In a significant escalation, Iran on Saturday launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles targeting the strategic US-UK military base at Diego Garcia, according to reports by the semi-official Mehr news agency. Although neither missile hit the base, the attempted strike has sparked serious concerns over Tehran’s expanding military reach.
US officials, cited by The Wall Street Journal, revealed that one missile failed mid-air, while the second was intercepted by a US warship using an advanced SM-3 missile defence system. The United Kingdom strongly condemned the move, calling it “reckless” and warning of further instability.
The attempted strike has drawn global attention due to the distance involved—approximately 4,000 kilometres—far exceeding Iran’s previously declared missile range of around 2,000 kilometres. Analysts believe the move signals a potential breakthrough in Iran’s missile capabilities, forcing a reassessment of regional and global threat perceptions.
Strategically located in the Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia serves as a crucial hub for US military operations, hosting long-range bombers, surveillance aircraft, and key logistics infrastructure. Experts say that even a failed attempt carries strategic weight, as it compels the US to deploy high-end missile defence systems and reconsider its security architecture in the region.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has previously targeted shipping routes and military assets. The incident is being viewed not just as a military manoeuvre, but as a calculated political message signalling that distant US bases may no longer be beyond reach.
With the conflict zone potentially expanding into the Indian Ocean, defence experts warn that the situation could significantly alter global security dynamics, forcing both Washington and its allies to rethink their strategic deployments and preparedness in the face of evolving threats.
