Iran reportedly launched two missiles toward a joint U.S.-U.K. Base on Diego Garcia, with one intercepted, according to multiple reports.
The reported missile strikes, which occurred on March 21, 2026, represent a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East and raise questions about the range of Iran’s ballistic capabilities. Several news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and the BBC, cited sources confirming the launches toward the base in the Indian Ocean.
According to reports, one of the missiles was intercepted by a U.S. Warship, while the other experienced a malfunction during flight. The base on Diego Garcia is a key airfield for U.S. Heavy bomber squadrons in the Indian Ocean, located approximately 2,370 miles (3,814 kilometers) from the coast of Iran.
The incident comes after the United Kingdom on Friday, March 20, 2026, authorized the use of British bases by U.S. Forces for potential operations targeting sites in Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Prior to this, the U.K. Had limited U.S. Use of its bases to strikes against targets launching attacks against British interests in the region.
The U.K.’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not yet confirmed or denied the reports of the Iranian missile launches. In a statement released Saturday, March 21, 2026, the MoD said, “Iran’s reckless attacks, escalation across the region and hostage-taking of the Strait of Hormuz pose a threat to British and allied interests.”
“RAF aircraft and other U.K. Assets remain deployed to protect our people and interests in the region, and the government has authorized the U.S. To use U.K. Bases for specific, limited defensive operations,” the statement continued.
The reports of Iran targeting Diego Garcia have surprised some observers, as it was previously believed that Iran’s longest-range missiles had a maximum range of around 1,243 miles (2,000 kilometers). The Alma Research and Education Center had estimated that Iran’s Khorramshahr missile could reach up to 3,000 kilometers.
However, BBC defense correspondent Jonathan Beale noted that the fact that two unidentified missiles were launched from Iran toward a base in the Indian Ocean does not necessarily mean they were capable of reaching their target. bbc
Mehr, an Iranian semi-official news agency, initially reported the launches, stating that Iran fired two missiles at the joint U.S.-U.K. Base. infoquest. Thai PBS also reported the accuracy of reports indicating Iran fired two missiles at the British base at Diego Garcia. thaipbs. Thairath reported that multiple media outlets claimed Iran fired two missiles at the U.S.-U.K. Base on Diego Garcia, with one being intercepted. thairath
