Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, the joint military based situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing multiple US officials.
Diego Garcia is one of two bases that the UK has authorised the US to utilise for defensive operations against Iranian missiles.
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The US and Israel struck several crucial sites in Iran on February 28. Iran has responded by attacking targets across the Middle East, throwing the region into conflict.
It is understood that neither of the missiles aimed at Diego Garcia struck the base.
One of the missiles failed in flight, while a US warship launched an interceptor at the other, as reported by the WSJ. Whether an interception was made could not be confirmed, according to one official.
The WSJ reported that this action signified Iran’s first operational use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week authorised the US to strike Iranian missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz from UK bases.
British ministers approved the decision on Friday, March 20, having previously restricted the US to only using the bases to strike missile sites targeting British interests in the Middle East.
