Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) at Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, but failed to hit its target, according to reports. The air base on Diego Garcia Island serves as a strategic hub where the US operates bombers, nuclear submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.
The Wall Street Journal reported on the 20th (local time), citing multiple officials, that Iran fired IRBMs toward the joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean. The exact timing of the missile launch was not disclosed.
According to the report, Iran launched two IRBMs at Diego Garcia. However, neither struck the base. One missile malfunctioned during flight. For the other, a US Navy warship fired an SM-3 interceptor missile, though it remains unconfirmed whether the interception succeeded.
The WSJ noted that "this marks Iran's first combat use of IRBMs, representing a significant attempt to threaten US interests beyond the Middle East region."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated last month that Iran had limited its missile range to 2,000 kilometers. However, this launch suggests Iran can strike much farther. The Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, a US civilian organization, has previously reported that Iran possesses IRBMs with a range of up to 4,000 kilometers.
Diego Garcia Island, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory of Chagos Islands, lies approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iran. The air base serves as a strategic hub where the US operates bombers, nuclear submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.
According to Reuters, the White House, British Embassy in Washington, and UK Ministry of Defence did not immediately comment on the strike.
