Iran Missiles Target Diego Garcia as War Escalates

(DIEGO GARCIA, BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY) – Two Iranian ballistic missiles were launched towards the joint United States United Kingdom military base on Diego Garcia, prompting London to condemn what it described as reckless threats, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran entered its fourth week.

The missiles travelled thousands of miles towards the remote base. Neither struck the island. One was intercepted by United States defences while the other failed before reaching its target. The United Kingdom has allowed what it described as United States defensive operations to be launched from the base.

The distance from Iran to Diego Garcia is about 3,700 kilometres or 2,400 miles. This exceeds the previously assessed range of Iran’s ballistic missile capability. Officials have not confirmed whether the missiles were capable of covering that full distance, but analysts said the launch suggests Iran believed the strike was feasible. If confirmed, such a capability would expand the potential threat range to a wide area beyond the Middle East.

The United States said it had degraded Iran’s ability to launch large numbers of missiles and drones after striking underground facilities near the Strait of Hormuz where anti ship missiles are stored. Iranian attacks have continued across the region, including missile interceptions over Israel and the West Bank.

Fire was reported at a United States diplomatic facility in Baghdad following at least three attacks on the site, which houses American personnel.

Military analysts said the conflict reflects an asymmetric balance. Iran is not seen as a direct match for the United States and Israel in conventional warfare, but has demonstrated an ability to deploy missiles in ways that were not fully anticipated. Its capacity to strike regional targets and threaten shipping routes has also raised concerns.

There are indications that Iran’s willingness to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz and to strike neighbouring Gulf states may have been underestimated. Such actions have had economic consequences, contributing to rising global energy prices.

The United States Central Command said American forces had struck 8,000 targets in Iran over the past three weeks and conducted 8,000 combat flights. Washington also temporarily lifted sanctions on some Iranian oil, allowing cargoes already at sea to be sold, in what analysts described as a significant policy shift amid energy market pressures.

In Washington, Donald Trump said the United States was considering winding down operations while also suggesting military objectives were close to being achieved. He said he was open to dialogue but not to a ceasefire. At the same time, United States media reported that the Department of Defense had prepared plans for a possible deployment of ground troops.

Reports said nearly 5,000 United States Marines and several warships from both the United States and Japan were moving towards the Middle East. It remains unclear under what conditions ground forces would be deployed, including whether they would be used to secure strategic locations or seize Iranian enriched uranium.

The Pentagon declined to comment on operational details. Officials said military options were expanding, although there has been no confirmation of additional operations.

Energy markets have become a central factor in the conflict. The United States decision to allow limited Iranian oil sales has been interpreted as a response to pressure linked to Iran’s ability to influence shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Critics in the United States said the move could provide financial support to Tehran while domestic fuel prices rise.

The Pentagon is expected to request an additional 200 billion US dollars in funding to cover costs linked to the conflict and to replenish military equipment. Democrats have criticised the scale of spending and described the conflict as a war of choice, while Republicans have largely backed the administration.

In Israel, Iranian strikes continued over the past 24 hours. Reports said cluster munitions hit a kindergarten in the central city of Rishon LeZion. The building was closed and no casualties were reported. Falling debris was also reported in Tel Aviv and near the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, where a large crater formed without causing injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war would continue as long as necessary, while also suggesting it could end sooner than expected. Israeli officials indicated that continued United States involvement could extend the timeframe for operations against Iranian leadership and allied forces in Lebanon.

Inside Iran, the conflict has overshadowed Nowruz celebrations marking the Persian New Year. Residents described a mix of fear, disruption and attempts to maintain daily life despite ongoing strikes. Some reported distress at civilian casualties, while others expressed hope that the conflict could weaken the ruling system.

The United States based Human Rights Activists News Agency said 1,398 civilians, including 210 children, have been killed in Iran since the war began three weeks ago.

Observers said the mood inside Iran is marked by uncertainty and limited access to information due to a digital blackout. Some residents have left major cities for areas such as the Caspian coast, although attacks have also been reported in northern regions.

As the war enters its fourth week, uncertainty remains over its direction. Trump has made conflicting statements about ending operations while rejecting a ceasefire. Analysts said that while the United States may seek to conclude the conflict, Iran retains the capacity to continue fighting.

Israeli military sources said Iran may have launched a missile with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, although this has not been independently confirmed. If accurate, it would further expand the scale of the threat.