Iran has launched missiles towards a joint US-UK military facility on Diego Garcia, escalating tensions after warning that British lives were “in danger” following support from Keir Starmer for further US strikes from UK bases.
According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were fired at the Chagos Islands, although neither struck their target.
Reports by the The Wall Street Journal, citing multiple officials, indicated that one of the missiles was intercepted by a US warship, while the other failed mid-flight.
Diego Garcia, located about 3,800 kilometres from Iran, hosts a strategic airbase capable of accommodating long-range US bombers and remains a key military installation in the region.
The development comes amid ongoing controversy over the UK’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining access to the base under a lease arrangement.
UK ministers had earlier granted the United States approval to launch strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz from British bases, including Diego Garcia.
Read also on The New Daily Prime: Two arrested after attempted entry into UK’s Faslane Naval Base
UK bases had earlier been limited to operations focused on defending British interests and allies in the Gulf region.
Reacting to the decision, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the country would “exercise its right to self-defence,” warning that the move placed British lives at risk.
“Ignoring his own People, Mr Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defence” he wrote on his X page.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump criticised the UK’s initial delay in granting approval, while also increasing pressure on NATO allies over their response to the conflict.
The UK government had previously limited US access to British bases for what it described as “defensive” operations.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime
