The UK has condemned Iran after a missile was launched towards a joint British-American military base in the Indian Ocean, as the war in the Middle East entered its fourth week.
The attempted strike targeted the Diego Garcia air base, a key strategic facility used by both the United Kingdom and the United States, located around 4,000km from Iran. Officials said the attack was unsuccessful.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said Iran’s actions across the region, including threats to vital shipping routes, posed a direct risk to British interests and its allies.
The incident has raised concerns in London about the widening reach of Iran’s missile capabilities, after the launch suggested Tehran possesses longer-range weapons than previously acknowledged.
Although the UK has not taken part directly in US and Israeli strikes on Iran, it has allowed American forces to use British bases for operations targeting Iranian missile sites.
Earlier, the British government confirmed that US bombers could also operate from UK-linked facilities, including Diego Garcia, to prevent attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian attempt to hit the base came shortly before that announcement, underlining the growing risks faced by Western military infrastructure in the region.
The escalation comes as Israel signalled plans to intensify its military campaign against Iran, while the United States is reinforcing its presence in the region with additional ships and troops.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned it could target sites beyond the Middle East, including tourist and recreational locations worldwide, raising fears of a broader international security threat.
The conflict has already disrupted global energy markets and trade routes, with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz adding to concerns over oil supplies and the wider economic impact.
