Iran fires missiles toward US-UK base in Indian Ocean: Report

Iran recently launched two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing US officials.

Neither missile struck the target — located roughly 2,500 miles (4,000 km) from Iranian territory — but the launch indicates that Tehran may possess longer-range missile capabilities than previously assessed, according to the report.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

One of the missiles reportedly failed mid-flight, while the other was engaged by an interceptor fired from a US warship, though it remains unclear whether it was successfully destroyed.

Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands, is one of two bases the United Kingdom has made available to the United States for “defensive” operations related to Iran. The base serves as a key strategic hub for US military activity in Asia, including past bombing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, and currently hosts American bombers and other assets.

Britain has agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after administering them since the 1960s, while retaining a lease over Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. US President Donald Trump has criticised the decision.