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UK questions Israel's assertion on Iranian missile range
Britain's Housing Secretary Steve Reed has dismissed claims by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that Iran possesses missiles capable of striking London, stating there is no intelligence assessment to support the assertion.
Iran's recent missile strike on Diego Garcia
Reed confirmed Iran targeted the joint US-UK military base on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, approximately 3,800 km from Iranian territory. Two ballistic missiles were fired at Diego Garcia-one fell short, while a US destroyer intercepted the other, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing US officials.
Reed declined to disclose how close the missiles came to the British overseas territory, citing operational security.
Discrepancies in missile range claims
The IDF stated on Saturday that Iran had developed missiles with a range of up to 4,000 km (2,485 miles), capable of reaching European capitals such as London, Paris, or Berlin. However, Reed told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that no specific assessment confirms Iran's ability or intent to target the UK.
"We are perfectly capable of protecting this country and keeping this country safe, whether it's here at home or whether it's our assets and nationals across the region."
Steve Reed, UK Housing Secretary
Pressed further, Reed reiterated: "There is no assessment to substantiate what's being said."
Iran's foreign minister previously stated the country had capped its missile range at 2,000 km, asserting it did not seek to threaten other nations. Analysts note this falls short of both Diego Garcia and London.
Political and military reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained on Sunday that Iran possesses the "capacity to reach deep into Europe." Meanwhile, former UK Foreign Secretary Sir James Cleverly acknowledged Iran's development of "very, very long-range missiles" but avoided confirming their ability to strike the UK, citing his lack of access to current intelligence.
Retired British Army General Sir Richard Shirreff urged caution, stating Israel's claims should be taken "seriously, but as seriously as the potential for Russian missiles to come this way as well." He added that Israel had a strategic interest in "broadening the war."
UK's shifting stance on military strikes
The UK government has permitted US forces to use British airbases, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, for strikes against Iranian targets threatening regional shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, framed as "collective self-defense," expands the scope of permissible targets.
Reed denied accusations of escalation, arguing the UK was "adapting to new threats." However, Sir James Cleverly criticized the government's initial refusal to allow US strikes from British bases, calling it a "misstep" that "damaged our credibility."
"We're relying on other countries to protect British personnel, British nationals, and British interests, and that is not the position we should be in."
Sir James Cleverly, Conservative MP
Calls for parliamentary oversight
The Liberal Democrats and Green Party have demanded a parliamentary vote on the use of UK bases for US strikes, warning the move risks deepening Britain's involvement in the conflict. Reed rejected the calls, stating there was "no precedent" for such a vote when defending British citizens under attack.
