Could Iranian missiles reach London and Paris?

BBC News
March 23, 2026
3 min read

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Military experts say Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching London, but allied air defenses would likely intercept them.

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Some military and security experts believe Iran possesses the technical capability to launch missiles that could theoretically reach London, though assessments suggest any such attack would face significant interception challenges. Iran's ballistic missile program has advanced considerably in recent years, giving it a growing arsenal of long-range weapons. However, experts emphasize that British and allied air defenses would likely neutralize Iranian missiles before they reached their targets, making the actual risk of a successful strike on London low. The assessment reflects broader concerns about Iran's military capabilities and regional tensions, particularly given recent escalations in the Middle East. The analysis underscores the importance of Western air defense systems and early-warning networks in deterring potential Iranian strikes against NATO allies.

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