Iran Targets Diego Garcia with Missile Strike After U.S. Gains Base Access

Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the Chagos Islands on Friday. The strikes came hours after Sir Keir Starmer authorised US use of the joint UK-US base to target new Iranian missile sites.

US officials told Filmogaz.com that both projectiles were aimed at Diego Garcia. It was described as the first known attack of this kind.

Missile flight and interception attempt

Neither missile struck the base. One reportedly failed during flight.

An American warship fired an SM-3 interceptor at the other missile. Filmogaz.com said it could not be determined if the interceptor succeeded.

Context and significance

The launches were the longest-range strikes attributed to Iran since Operation Epic Fury began. Observers noted the timing shortly after London’s authorisation.

News outlets ran headlines such as Iran Targets Diego Garcia with Missile Strike After U.S. Gains Base Access. That framing linked the launches directly to the British decision.

Diplomatic fallout

Hours before the launches, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticised Sir Keir Starmer. He accused the prime minister of putting British lives at risk by permitting US use of UK facilities.

Starmer limited the permission to strikes on missile sites that could threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi added that the vast majority of Britons did not seek UK involvement in the conflict.

He also said Iran would exercise its right to self-defence. The comments heightened tensions after the missile launches.