LONDON (AP) — Recently, Iran launched missiles aimed at Diego Garcia, a remote island hosting a vital U.K.-U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean. Although the attack didn’t hit its target, it raised concerns in Britain, which condemned the assault as reckless.
Diego Garcia is crucial for U.S. military operations, supporting missions across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. The base, home to around 2,500 mostly American service members, has played a role in conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq. In 2008, it was also acknowledged as a site for secret flights involving terror suspects.
In a recent surge of military activity, the U.S. deployed nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit bombers to Diego Garcia, primarily to support operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Despite initial hesitations, the U.K. allowed U.S. bombers to launch attacks on Iranian missile sites, including those threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the U.K. government insists these operations are “specific and limited.”
Iran’s foreign minister criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision, claiming it places British lives at risk. Despite longstanding limits on Iran’s missile range, experts like Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute speculate that Iran could adapt its space launch technology for military use, potentially increasing its strike range.
Historically, Diego Garcia is part of the Chagos Archipelago, under British control since 1814. In the 1960s and 1970s, the U.K. forcibly relocated around 2,000 residents to establish the military base. The United Nations and the International Court of Justice have called for an end to British control and for sovereignty to be returned to Mauritius, which has led to growing criticism of the U.K.’s actions.
Last year, the U.K. reached an agreement with Mauritius for a transition of sovereignty. Critics, however, argue this might expose the islands to influences from China and Russia. Some displaced Chagos islanders also voice concerns that they were not consulted and question their right to return.
U.S. President Donald Trump once called the deal an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” highlighting the tensions surrounding the base. The agreement’s progression through the U.K. Parliament has been stalled as it seeks renewed U.S. support.
As tensions in the region grow, the Diego Garcia base remains a focal point in military strategy. It serves as a reminder of how global conflicts often intertwine with local histories, shaping international relations today.
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