Iran Denies Role in Reported Missile Attempt on Diego Garcia
Iran has officially denied any involvement in a reported missile attack targeting the Diego Garcia military base, a key strategic facility jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom. This denial comes in response to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which claimed that Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards the base located in the Chagos Archipelago.
Details of the Reported Incident
According to the WSJ report, one of the missiles failed during flight, while the other was likely intercepted. The report did not specify the exact timing of the alleged launch. A senior Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, stated that Tehran was not behind this missile attempt, reinforcing Iran's position that it has not targeted the UK's military base on Diego Garcia.
Diego Garcia is situated approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iran, and this reported strike attempt, now denied by Tehran, raises significant questions about Iran's missile capabilities. Iran has publicly maintained that its missile range is capped at 2,000 kilometers, as stated last month by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
International Reactions and Concerns
Following the WSJ report, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement on social media platform X, asserting that the Iranian regime launched a long-range missile capable of reaching 4,000 kilometers for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion. The IDF highlighted that during Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, it was revealed that Iran has intentions to develop missiles with such a range, posing a threat to countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The IDF further emphasized that Iran represents a global threat, with missiles that could potentially reach major European cities like London, Paris, or Berlin. This statement underscores growing international concerns over Iran's military advancements and regional ambitions.
US Military Preparations and Strategic Considerations
Amidst these developments, the United States is actively reviewing its military options against Iran. According to CBS News, the Pentagon has prepared comprehensive plans for the potential deployment of US ground troops into Iran. Senior military commanders have made specific requests to ensure readiness as President Donald Trump considers further action.
While President Trump has not defined the conditions for approving such a move, he stated in the Oval Office that he is not currently planning to send ground troops anywhere, but added that if he were, he would not disclose it publicly. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the Pentagon's role is to provide the Commander-in-Chief with maximum optionality in any crisis, noting that preparations do not indicate a final decision.
CBS News also reported that US military officials have discussed logistics for capturing and detaining Iranian personnel in the event of an invasion, including plans for processing and holding detainees. Additionally, the US is positioning forces in the region, with elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Army's Global Response Force being readied for potential deployment.
Ongoing Military Movements
Thousands of Marines are already en route to the Middle East, with three naval vessels carrying over 2,000 Marines recently departing California. This marks the second such deployment since the conflict began. Another unit, the USS Tripoli ARG, which was earlier redirected from the Pacific, is still on its way to the region.
Diego Garcia remains a central hub for sustaining US military operations across the Indian Ocean, making any threats to this base a matter of high strategic importance. The situation continues to evolve as tensions between Iran and the US escalate, with both sides preparing for potential confrontations.
