2026 Iranian strike on Diego Garcia
| 2026 Iranian strike on Diego Garcia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the 2026 Iran war | ||||||
 Aerial view of Diego Garcia | ||||||
| ||||||
| Belligerents | ||||||
 Iran (denied by Iran) | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | ||||||
| 2 intercontinental ballistic missiles (one failed in flight; one intercepted) | Unknown |
On 20 March 2026, Iran launched at least two Khorramshahr-4 intercontinental ballistic missiles toward the island of Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory. Neither missile struck the target.[1][2][3][4]
According to Pentagon sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, one missile failed during flight, while a SM-3 interceptor launched from a United States warship successfully intercepted the second. Israel also claimed that the strikes occurred, and added that such weapons had the capability of targeting Europe as well.[5] Iran denied that it attacked Diego Garcia, calling it a false flag attack.[6]
In response the UK Foreign Secretary denounced the attack and expanded permission for the United States to bomb certain targets using British bases.[7][8]
Background
[edit]The United States maintains a strategic military base on Diego Garcia called Camp Justice. It was established in the 1970s and has equipment such as bombers and guided missile destroyers.[9] It is an important island for American military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, alongside Guam.
The island has a 3,600-meter runway to facilitate the use of bombers such as the B-52, B-1, and B-2, as well as transport aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III. The facility also includes a port capable of accommodating up to 30 warships.
Geography
[edit]Diego Garcia is located in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is mostly isolated from other countries and access to the island is restricted. The United States has renewed its lease of the base through at least 2030.[10]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Irán ataca base de EE. UU. y Reino Unido en la isla Diego García: ¿pueden alcanzar sus misiles a Europa?". France 24. 22 March 2026. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran fires missiles toward US-UK base in Indian ocean, Iran's Mehr says". 2026.
- ↑ Pancevski, Max Colchester and Bojan (2026-03-23). "Europe Is Quietly Playing a Crucial Role in the Iran War". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
- ↑ "UK's Starmer, Saudi crown prince discussed ongoing Middle East conflict, Downing Street says". 2026.
- ↑ Toth, Albert; Harriette, Boucher (March 22, 2026). "Iran has firepower to strike London claims Israel after long-range hit on Diego Garcia". The Independent. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
- ↑ "'False flag attack': Iran denies claims it fired missiles at Diego Garcia". Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Badshah, Nadeem; Ofori, Morgan (March 21, 2026). "UK foreign secretary condemns Iran's 'reckless threats' after strike towards US-UK base". The Guardian. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ↑ Mason, Rowena; Stewart, Heather; Topham, Gwyn; Elgot, Jessica (March 21, 2026). "Anger grows among UK ministers amid fears Iran war could jeopardise Britain's fragile finances". The Guardian. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ↑ "Iran launched ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia base, U.S. officials report". La Jornada. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ↑ "Irán lanzó un misil a la isla Diego García y falló: ¿puede alcanzar ciudades europeas?". El Observador. 22 March 2026. Retrieved 22 March 2026.