Iran has reportedly launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles targeting the strategically important Diego Garcia, a joint United States–United Kingdom military base in the Indian Ocean, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Neither missile hit the base. One reportedly malfunctioned mid-flight, while the other was engaged by a US warship using an SM-3 interceptor missile. It remains unclear whether the interception was successful.
There has been no official confirmation or statement from either Iranian or US authorities regarding the incident.
The reported strike is significant due to its implications for Iran’s missile capabilities. Diego Garcia is located approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iran—far beyond the previously stated 2,000-kilometer operational range limit mentioned by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This raises questions about Tehran’s actual missile reach and strategic intentions.
The base on Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Archipelago, has been a key military installation since the 1970s, supporting long-range bombers and critical operations in the region.
The development comes amid escalating regional tensions following reported US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28. The conflict has reportedly resulted in significant casualties and triggered multiple retaliatory actions by Iran.
According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the latest wave of retaliatory strikes targeted more than 55 locations across the Middle East, including areas in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
In a statement carried by Press TV, the IRGC described widespread explosions and visible damage across targeted sites. Meanwhile, several countries—including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel—activated air defence systems to intercept incoming drones and missiles.
The reported missile launch toward Diego Garcia marks a notable escalation, suggesting an expansion of Iran’s strike range and raising concerns about the security of distant military installations.
