Iran launches two missiles at Diego Garcia, exposing greater range than previously thought

Published March 20, 2026 11:16pm ET



Iran launched two missiles at the United Kingdom‘s base in Diego Garcia, missing but exposing greater missile capabilities than previously known.

After the U.K. announced it would allow the U.S. to use its bases for defensive strikes against Iran, Tehran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, over 2,000 miles away, U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal. Both missiles missed, with one failing and landing in the sea and a U.S. Navy warship firing an SM-3 interceptor at the other, though it’s not known if the interceptor made contact.

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