U.K. says Iran unsuccessfully targeted Diego Garcia base

The U.K. Ministry of Defence announced that Iran attempted to target the joint U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean, but was unsuccessful. This came before the U.K. approved the use of British bases by U.S. forces for defensive operations in the region. The U.K. permitted the U.S. to use RAF Fairford in England and Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands for specific and limited defensive operations. Iran fired two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, but one failed in flight and the other was intercepted by a U.S. warship. The U.K. condemned Iran’s actions as a threat to British interests and allies. Additionally, the U.K. agreed to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, where the Diego Garcia base is located, to Mauritius in May 2025, despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. The conflict has led to the U.S. allowing the sale of Iranian oil at sea in an attempt to ease prices. Furthermore, Iran reported an attack on its nuclear enrichment plant, while the U.S. Central Command claimed to have degraded Iran’s ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump expressed no interest in a ceasefire with Iran and stated that the U.S. is close to meeting its objectives in the Middle East. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested that Israeli attacks against Iran will increase significantly in the coming week. The military operations against the Iranian terrorist regime and its supporting infrastructures are set to escalate significantly, according to Israeli Defense Minister Katz. In a video statement, Katz emphasized the need for decisive action against the regime.

Iran’s President Pezeshkian called for an immediate halt to what he labeled as U.S.-Israeli aggression to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Pezeshkian also urged for guarantees to prevent future aggression and called on the BRICS bloc to play a role in halting the attacks against Iran.

Leaders from 22 countries, including the UAE, UK, France, Germany, Japan, and Bahrain, condemned Iran’s actions in closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking commercial vessels and infrastructure in the region. They called on Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and ensure safe passage through the strait.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Tehran is willing to facilitate the passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that Iran has not closed the strait but has imposed restrictions on vessels from attacking countries while offering assistance to others.

Meanwhile, Iranian gas supplies to Iraq have resumed at a reduced rate following disruptions caused by Israel’s attack on Iran’s main gas field. The flow has been restored to five million cubic meters per day, according to the Iraqi electricity ministry.

Overall, tensions in the region remain high as various parties navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. The situation continues to evolve, with diplomatic efforts and military actions shaping the course of events.