Media: Iran to strike UK-US naval base on Diego Garcia if US attacks Officials warn

Iran has issued a stark warning to Britain, claiming it will target the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands if the United States proceeds with military action against the country.

The threat comes after US President Donald Trump’s warning of potential military strikes unless Iran negotiates a deal regarding its nuclear programme, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

In the latest escalation of tensions, a senior Iranian military official told The Telegraph that Iran would not distinguish between British and American forces if retaliating against any US-led attack. Tehran vowed to strike the Diego Garcia base, a key US-UK naval installation in the Indian Ocean, should the US launch military operations against Iran.

Iran’s state-run media highlighted the potential use of advanced ballistic missiles, such as the Khorramshahr, and suicide drones like the Shahed-136B, which could strike Diego Garcia from Iranian soil. The facility, hosting strategic assets including the long-range B-2 Spirit bombers, is seen by Tehran as a significant target due to its capacity to launch attacks on Iran’s critical infrastructure.

“The time will come when no distinction will be made between American, British, or Turkish soldiers if their bases are used for attacks on Iran,” the official warned.

Despite the escalating threats, a UK government spokesperson strongly condemned the rhetoric, calling for de-escalation and affirming the importance of Diego Garcia in ensuring regional and international security. The UK and US maintain the base as a strategic hub for operations across Asia and the Middle East.

The Chagos Archipelago, home to Diego Garcia, has been a source of political tension, as the UK faces growing calls to return sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. Approximately 4,000 personnel, including British and American military members, are stationed on Diego Garcia, with a small British contingent overseeing security and customs.

Note that, President Trump, who has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, has threatened “very bad things” if Iran does not come to the negotiating table. However, Trump expressed a preference for a peaceful resolution and has urged Iran to engage in talks. Iranian officials, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, have rejected direct negotiations with the US but remain open to indirect diplomacy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev