US media reports: Iran launches ballistic missile with a range of 4,000 km, targeting strategic US-UK bases.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing US officials, reported that Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting a joint US-British military base on Diego Garcia island in the Indian Ocean. This move has raised concerns that Tehran possesses weapons with a much longer range than previously assessed by intelligence.
According to a report published by the WSJ on March 20 (local time), both ballistic missiles launched by Iran missed their targets. Notably, the Diego Garcia base is located approximately 4,000 km from Iranian territory. Tehran's ability to project firepower over such a long distance is a surprising development for Western military observers.
Sources from the US revealed that one of the two missiles malfunctioned and crashed during flight. The other missile was targeted by an interceptor system fired from a US warship on duty at sea. However, the WSJ reported that it is unclear whether the US interceptor missile actually shot down its target.
As of now, the Pentagon has not issued any official comment in response to AFP's request for verification of the information.
Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Islands archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is one of two strategic bases that the British government allows the US military to use for "defensive" operations related to Iran amid escalating conflict.
U.S. forces have stationed numerous strategic bombers and heavy military equipment at this base. Historically, Diego Garcia has served as a vital transit and logistics hub for Washington's military operations in Asia, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Besides the tensions from the conflict with Iran, this base is also at the center of diplomatic controversy. Recently, Britain agreed to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after having controlled them since the 1960s. However, London still maintains a long-term lease agreement for the base on Diego Garcia island. This decision by Britain has drawn strong criticism from US President Donald Trump.
