A British official source confirmed to AFP that Iran attempted to strike Diego Garcia on Friday without success. Diego Garcia is one of two bases the UK allowed the US to use in its conflict with Iran.
A government representative stated on Sunday that the assessment is that the Iranians definitely targeted Diego Garcia. Speaking to the BBC, the representative added that one missile fell before reaching the target and the other was intercepted. They noted that this outcome was not surprising, given Iran’s tendency to launch missiles recklessly across the region.
Analysts suggest Iran aimed to convey that it retains strategic military capabilities following three weeks of US-Israeli operations against it.
The UK government announced on Friday that it would authorize the use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in southwest England to strike “Iranian missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The official source confirmed that the missile launch toward Diego Garcia preceded this announcement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially refused to allow the US to use UK bases in the war, permitting only “defensive” operations, which drew sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump. However, the government has since authorized the strikes.
The representative emphasized that no one will drag the UK into this conflict, noting there is no specific assessment indicating the Iranians target the UK or could do so if they wished.
Regarding the difference between London and Washington on the war, the representative stated that this is not the first time in history that a British Prime Minister has taken a different stance than the US President, citing Vietnam as an example.
