Britain has condemned Iran’s reckless attacks after its military fired missiles at a UK-US air base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
UK officials have not provided details of the attempted strike, which was unsuccessful. It remains unclear how close the missiles came to the base, located about 2,500 miles from Iran.
The UK Ministry of Defence today said Iran’s actions, including lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, pose a threat to British interests and allies.
Britain has not taken part in US-Israeli attacks on Iran but has allowed American bombers to use UK bases to target Iranian missile sites.
Iran fired the missiles after warning that British lives were “in danger” after the prime minister authorised the US to carry out further strikes from British bases.
Tehran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the Chagos island but neither hit, the Iranian news agency Mehr reported.
One of the missiles was shot down by a US warship, while the other failed in flight, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing multiple officials.
If the salvo had reached its target it would have been the longest-range Iranian strike yet. Before the war, according to the US Congressional Research Service, Washington was aware of Iranian missiles that could reach 3,000km.
Cooper told broadcasters on Saturday: “We have continued to support defensive action to support UK interests, including defensive action against ballistic missile threats.
“But we want to see as swift as possible a resolution to this conflict. Our approach to this conflict has been the same throughout. We were not and continue not to be involved in offensive action, and we’ve taken a different view from the US and Israel on this.”
“But we are supporting defensive action to support our interests. That includes recognising Iran’s escalating threats to international shipping, as well as their threats to our Gulf partners.”
The Ministry of Defence, which described US use of British bases as “limited and defensive” in nature, earlier called the attacks “reckless”. A spokesperson said: “Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage the strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies.
“RAF jets and other UK military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region.