Iran has launched long-range and intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards the joint U.S.-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, in what Israeli officials said was a major escalation in the war.
The strikes, alongside missile attacks on southern Israel, have widened the scope of the conflict beyond the Middle East.
The UK Ministry of Defence condemned the strikes as “reckless attacks across the region” and warned they posed a threat to British interests and allies. Israeli officials said the launches were Iran’s first use of missiles of this range in the conflict, extending the potential threat well beyond the Middle East.
According to Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Iran fired two ballistic missiles with a range of about 4,000km at the U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia. “These missiles are not intended to strike Israel,” Zamir said, noting that European capitals such as Berlin, Paris, and Rome are within range.
The attack came before the British government gave specific authorisation for the U.S. to use UK bases in strikes on Iranian missile sites, according to a Ministry of Defence source.
Late on Saturday, Iranian missiles hit southern Israeli cities, including Dimona and Arad, injuring dozens, among them children. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes targeted “military installations” and security centres. Israeli air defences were reported to be functioning but did not intercept the missiles.
Israel’s nuclear facility is about 13 kilometres southeast of Dimona. Both cities are near several military installations, including Nevatim Air Base, one of Israel’s largest.
“This has been a very difficult evening in the battle for our future,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We are determined to continue striking our enemies on all fronts.”
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iran responded, warning it would target U.S. infrastructure, including energy facilities in the Gulf.
The war, now in its fourth week, has killed more than 2,000 people in Iran and 15 people in Israel, while global markets have reacted sharply to disruptions in energy supplies. In the United States, public opinion is divided, with a recent poll showing that 59% of Americans disapprove of military strikes against Iran.
The conflict has become a political and economic challenge worldwide, with rising energy prices fuelling inflation and heightening tensions across the region.
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