Iran has reportedly launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward the military base of Diego Garcia, a strategically critical installation jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom.
According to a March 20 report by the Wall Street Journal citing U.S. officials, the missiles were fired in the direction of the base in the Indian Ocean, in an escalation marking one of the longest-range strike attempts attributed to Tehran since the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict began.
However, WSJ reported that neither missile struck the base. One reportedly malfunctioned mid-flight, while a U.S. warship attempted to intercept the second using an SM-3 missile.
It remains unclear whether the interception was successful. No official statement had been issued by either Washington or Tehran regarding the attempted strike by the time of publication.
Strategic Diego Garcia base targeted
The Diego Garcia military base is among the most important overseas military facilities used by both countries.
Located in the Chagos Archipelago, the base has hosted joint operations since the 1970s and serves as a launch point for long-range bombers, naval assets, and strategic missions across the Middle East and Asia.
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For the United States, the U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia provides logistical support to operational forces forward-deployed to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf areas of responsibility in support of national policy objectives.
It has played a central role in recent U.S. military operations targeting Iran, including hosting heavy bombers deployed from UK-linked infrastructure.
Diego Garcia, an atoll of the Chagos Archipelago in the British Indian Ocean Territory, is located 7 degrees south of the equator.
For the United Kingdom, the London-based British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration governs the 58-island archipelago as a British Overseas Territory.
It manages the territory—primarily the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia—handling administration, environmental protection, and strict access permits led by a Commissioner appointed by the King.
The Kenya Times contacted U.S. and UK authorities seeking confirmation and details on the reported missile launch, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
The attempted strike is drawing attention because of the distance involved. Diego Garcia lies roughly 4,000 kilometers from Iran.
This is significantly beyond the 2,000-kilometer range that Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi said last month Tehran had imposed on its missile program.
If confirmed, the launch could indicate either expanded capabilities or a shift in how Iran is deploying its arsenal during the conflict.
UK role under scrutiny from Iran
The development comes as tensions rise between Iran and the United Kingdom over its role in supporting U.S. operations.
Iran has accused London of effectively participating in military action by allowing American forces to operate from British-controlled bases, including facilities in the UK and Diego Garcia.
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Foreign Minister Araghchi, in a tense phone call with his counterpart, Secretary Yvette Cooper, reportedly warned that such cooperation “will definitely be considered as participation in aggression.”
According to the Iranian regime’s state media, in a report on Friday, the minister reportedly added that Tehran reserves the right to respond under international law.
He later, in a statement on X, warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, which has allowed U.S. bombers to operate from bases such as RAF Fairford.
“Vast majority of the British People do not want any part in the Israel-U.S. war of choice on Iran. 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-defense,” he said.
Starmer defends Britain
PM Starmer’s official spokesman responded on Friday, maintaining that “our position is very clear. We didn’t participate in the initial strikes, and we’re not getting drawn into the wider war.:
The prime minister had, on March 1, before Parliament, defended the decision not to join the bombing campaign after being denounced by the Trump administration.
The reported missile launch comes amid a widening conflict involving Iran, the United States, Israel, and several regional actors.
Since late February, U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets have intensified, with reports indicating more than 1,300 people have been killed, including senior leadership figures.
Iran has responded with attacks targeting Israel as well as U.S.-linked positions in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states.
