Iran Attempts Missile Strike on Diego Garcia Base, Missiles Fail to Reach Target

21/03/2026

DIEGO GARCIA, Mar 21: A failed missile strike attempt by Iran on the joint UK-US military base at Diego Garcia has raised concerns over Tehran’s long-range capabilities, according to a British official source.

The attempted attack involved two ballistic missiles, both of which failed to reach the atoll—one malfunctioned mid-flight while the other was intercepted. The incident occurred shortly before the United Kingdom signaled that the United States could use British bases for potential strikes on Iranian targets linked to attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The development has highlighted a possible extension of Iran’s missile reach, as Diego Garcia lies nearly 4,000 kilometers from Iran—well beyond the officially stated range of its ballistic missile program.

Experts noted that advancements linked to Iran’s space launch systems, including the Simorgh, could enable longer-range strikes, though potentially at reduced accuracy. Analysts say the move may have been intended as a strategic signal amid escalating regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Iran stated that it targeted Diego Garcia Island with a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, Israel’s military said. This refers to a missile with at least two rocket engines, one allowing the missile to reach space, and the other propels it to its target, at a range of up to 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles). “These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range extends to the capitals of Europe — Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said on Saturday evening.