MoD Condemns Iranian Missile Strikes on Diego Garcia Base
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has condemned Iranian missile strikes aimed at a US-UK military base located on the island of Diego Garcia. The attacks followed the UK Prime Minister's authorization for the United States to conduct further military operations from British bases, a decision that has sparked criticism regarding parliamentary approval.
Details of the Missile Strikes
According to the Iranian news agency Mehr, Tehran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles targeting the Chagos Archipelago. Neither missile successfully struck the intended target. The Wall Street Journal, citing multiple officials, reported that one missile was intercepted and destroyed by a US warship, while the other failed during flight.
The MoD described the US use of British bases as "limited and defensive" and labelled the Iranian attacks as "reckless." A spokesperson stated:
"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."
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, is approximately 3,800 kilometres (2,360 miles) from Iran and hosts an airbase capable of accommodating long-range US bombers. The island has been at the centre of political controversy following the UK’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while leasing back the military base.
Escalation of Military Operations
On Friday afternoon, the UK authorized the US to conduct strikes targeting the Strait of Hormuz from UK bases, including Diego Garcia. Previously, UK bases were only used to target Iranian sites that threatened British allies and interests in Gulf states.
Iran’s Response and Regional Reactions
Iran responded strongly to the UK’s decision. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted Iran’s intention to "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."
US President Donald Trump criticised the UK for not granting permission sooner, stating the UK "should have acted a lot faster." He has also criticised NATO allies for their reluctance to provide warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling them "cowards."
The UK government had previously allowed the US to use British bases only for "defensive" operations. At that time, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted by an Iranian drone.
Political Reactions within the UK
Conservative Party leader Penny Mordaunt described the Prime Minister’s latest decision as the "mother of all U-turns" in a post on X. Kemi Badenoch later commented that the UK was being "dragged into" the conflict. She told Times Radio:
"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."
The Labour Party and the Green Party have called for any further permission for the US to use British bases to be subject to a parliamentary vote.
Government Measures and International Condemnation
Prime Minister Starmer is scheduled to hold a Cobra meeting next week to discuss measures to support households affected by the cost of living increases caused by the ongoing conflict.
A joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels and oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East was issued by 22 countries, including the UK, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The statement noted:
"The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable."
Diplomatic Engagements
Prime Minister Starmer has engaged in discussions with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, regarding the conflict. Downing Street released a statement outlining the conversation:
"The prime minister outlined the UK’s latest support for Bahrain, including deploying a team of experts to help counter drone attacks.
Both condemned Iran’s ongoing attacks on critical national infrastructure and the strait of Hormuz. The prime minister updated on the US use of UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region, including to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack shipping.
The prime minister welcomed Bahrain joining the growing list of signatories to the UK-led joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks and calling for de-escalation."
