Terrifying new phase of war puts Britain at risk of Iran missiles | World | News
An image of an Iranian missile similar to the type that could theoretically hit the UK (Image: Getty)
Britain could be in the sights of Iran’s missiles after the regime tried to target a major UK military base more than 2,300 miles away. The Iranians fired missiles towards a joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean as the regime warned British lives are “in danger” after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the US to carry out further strikes.
Tehran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, but neither hit, the Wall Street Journal and the semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr reported. One of the missiles was shot down by a US warship, while the other failed in flight, the newspaper said, citing multiple officials.
Iran targeted the base before ministers gave the US permission to strike missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz, it is understood. The attempt to target a British asset thousands of miles away has raised the prospect of a missile from Iran hitting Europe, or even the UK. The British mainland is only around 2,700 miles from Iran.
Europe has already been targeted when RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by an Iranian drone after the Government granted the US permission for defensive action from UK bases. RAF Akrotiri is a sovereign British territory.
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Iranians have vowed to attack tourist sites around the world (Image: Getty)
The Ministry of Defence condemned Iran’s latest attempts to attack British bases and countries in the Middle East. A spokesperson said: “Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage 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.”
Downing Street said on Friday that UK bases will now be used for US “defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships”.
Diego Garcia is home to an airbase capable of accommodating long-range US bombers. The UK has agreed to cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius and lease back the base.
The UK is on alert for a potential Iranian plot to cause carnage (Image: Getty)
Diego Garcia is strategically valuable to the US, and has been used as a launchpad for operations in the Middle East for years. It has a large airfield, major fuel storage facilities, radar installations and a deep-water port.
It is home to about 2,500 mostly American personnel. Ministers gave the US permission to strike Iranian missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz on Friday afternoon.
Iran reacted angrily, with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi claiming it will “exercise its right to self-defence”.
Posting on X, he said: “Vast majority of the British People do not want any part in the Israel-US 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-defence.”
Iran has escalated attacks on its Gulf neighbours in recent days while keeping a stranglehold on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said the UK “should have acted a lot faster” in giving the US permission.
He has already piled pressure on Nato allies, calling them “cowards” for refusing to offer warships to reopen the strait.
The Prime Minister will hold a Cobra meeting next week to discuss plans to help households with the cost of living caused by the war, it is understood.
On Saturday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the UK is being “dragged into” the conflict.
“Today we’re hearing that they’ve been firing missiles on Diego Garcia. The sad thing is, whether we like it or not, we’re being dragged into it and what we need is a prime minister who can think ahead,” she told Times Radio.
Countries including the UK, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea and Australia condemned Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels as well as oil and gas facilities in the Middle East in a joint statement.
“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the 22 signatories said.
