"Targeting the Diego Garcia base is an important step taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran to threaten the interests of the US and its allies beyond West Asia's borders, demonstrating that Iran's missile range has surpassed what rivals could imagine," Mehr news agency reported today.

Iranian media did not specify the type of missile used. This marks the first time Tehran has sought to extend its strike range beyond the Middle East, threatening Washington's interests in the Indian Ocean.

US officials have not commented on the information.

Iran's Khorramshahr missile leaving its launch pad during a 5/2023 test. Photo: AP

The attack follows the UK's confirmation that it would allow the US to use its base for collective self-defense actions in the region. This includes destroying launch pads and equipment Iran uses to attack vessels in the Hormuz Strait.

Muhanad Seloom, a lecturer at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar, suggests that Iran's action could compel the US and its allies to reconsider their calculations in the conflict.

"Striking the Diego Garcia base implies Iran possesses ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 4,000 km, a weapon previously undisclosed. All prior information indicated Iran only deployed missiles with a range of no more than 2,000 km," he said.

This capability would allow Iran to target not only US bases outside the Middle East but also reach London, UK. "That would make the UK and the European Union (EU) even more hesitant to heed calls for military support from the US," Seloom noted.

The Wall Street Journal reported on 20/3, citing unnamed US officials, that Iran launched two long-range ballistic missiles towards the Diego Garcia base, but neither hit its target. One missile experienced a malfunction mid-flight and fell into the sea, while the other was intercepted by a US warship firing an SM-3 missile. It remains unclear whether this interception was successful or if the Iranian missile simply veered off target.

Location of Diego Garcia island and Iran. Graphic: Sky News

Iranian officials have previously set a 2,000 km missile range limit, stating this is sufficient to reach Israel and ensure national defense. However, General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, deputy commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, mentioned in 10/2025 the possibility of increasing the country's missile range.

Diego Garcia, a 30 km2 coral atoll, is considered a strategically vital outpost for the US military. Fighter jets and warships stationed there participated in the Gulf War and military operations in Afghanistan and Libya. Diego Garcia's location enables Washington to deploy forces across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean.

The island's role has become more significant after the US closed Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and withdrew from the Central Asian nation.

It is also one of the few locations capable of accommodating B-2 bombers. The island features four clamshell-shaped hangars with environmental control equipment, known as B-2 Shelter Systems (BS22), specifically designed for this stealth bomber model.

Range of various ballistic missiles. Click image for full view

Several research organizations have offered varying assessments of Iran's missile capabilities. The international community generally believes Iran's missile arsenal primarily consists of short-range ballistic missiles with a range of about 1,000 km and medium-range missiles up to 3,000 km.

Vu Hoang (According to Mehr News, Reuters, AFP)