United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued a direct caution to British citizens, stating that Iranian missiles could potentially reach London. Hegseth, a former television personality, delivered the warning during a White House cabinet meeting, highlighting recent missile tests by Iran that reached 4,000km, contrary to previous claims of a 2,000km range.
Addressing reporters, Hegseth emphasized the proximity of London to Iran and questioned the credibility of Iran’s assurances of non-aggression. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed uncertainty regarding Israel’s assertion that recent missile launches targeting the UK-US base on Diego Garcia were conducted by Iran.
Reports indicated that Iran allegedly fired intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the US-UK base, with one missile failing mid-flight and the other intercepted by a US warship. The Israeli military claimed that Iran used a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching 4,000km, but Iran denied targeting Diego Garcia.
UK Housing Secretary Steve Reed confirmed the attempted targeting of Diego Garcia by Iran, with one missile falling short and the other being intercepted. Reed clarified that there was no specific evidence suggesting Iran’s intention to target the UK.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the accusations as “disinformation,” citing NATO’s hesitation to confirm the missile origin. UK Defense Secretary John Healey declined to speculate on Iran’s ability to strike London, emphasizing the country’s readiness to defend against potential threats with NATO allies.
Despite Iran’s previous claim of limiting missile range to 2,000km, recent events have raised concerns about their capabilities. The failed missile launch towards Diego Garcia traveled approximately 3,000km from its origin.
