Iran has denied targeting a joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, Al Jazeera reported, citing a senior Iranian official.
Located on the remote island of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, the military site was reportedly targeted by two ballistic missiles early Friday local time.
None of the missiles reportedly hit the fortress, which houses about 2,500 personnel, mostly Americans. Washington has described the installation as “a must-have platform” for operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.
British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper condemned the incident as “Iran’s Reckless Threats,” while stressing that Britain will not participate in offensive operations and will reduce its role in defensive support.
Iran has carried out retaliatory attacks against several US bases in the Middle East and launched drones at the British Akrotiri air base in southern Cyprus, reportedly causing minor damage to the facility.
Downing Street said on Friday that ministers had given the US permission to use British facilities to launch strikes against Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has however rejected US President Donald Trump’s invitation to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said the United Kingdom “It should act very quickly,” while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Starmer “Putting British lives at risk.”
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