Brits in Mediterranean holiday hotspots could be unsafe following Iran’s botched strike on the US-UK military base Diego Garcia, Iranian mullahs have warned. Tehran launched two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Isla,nds almost 4,000km away, and the attack showed that Iran’s missiles may have a longer range than previously thought. This brings much of the Mediterranean and western Europe into range.

For British holidaymakers, this might have dangerous consequences, mullahs have already signalled. “From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you,” said General Abolfazl Shekarchi of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has already updated travel guidance for 31 nations. The list does not currently include European holiday hotspots.

Now, it is being reported that the missiles’ reach has been severely underestimated and could top 4,000km, a range that could bring European nations such as Greece, Turkey and Cyprus under threat. The air distance between London and Tehran is approximately 4,400km.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding to ransom the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies.

“RAF jets and other UK military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region.

“This government has given permission to the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.”

The conflict has claimed over 1,300 lives in Iran. Israeli military operations targeting the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militant organisation in Lebanon have forced more than 1 million individuals from their homes – approximately 20% of the nation’s population – according to Lebanese authorities, who report over 1,000 deaths.