UK says Iran missile attack on Diego Garcia failed

Al Jazeera
March 21, 2026
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3 min read

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Iran launched ballistic missiles at the joint U.S.-UK Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean; UK says attack failed.

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Iran launched ballistic missiles at the jointly operated U.S.-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to British authorities, though the UK said the attack was unsuccessful. Diego Garcia, located in the Chagos Archipelago, hosts critical U.S. and British military infrastructure including surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that are central to operations across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific region. The failed strike represents a significant escalation in direct Iranian military action against allied forces and comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The base's strategic importance makes it a high-value target, and the attack underscores Iran's willingness to directly challenge U.S. and British military presence. This incident marks one of the most brazen Iranian military actions against Western facilities in recent years.

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