Iran Issues Retaliatory Threats Against Diego Garcia Amidst Rising US Tensions
Iranian military warns of potential strikes on US and British personnel stationed at Diego Garcia in response to escalating conflicts with the US government.
The Iranian military has issued explicit warnings of potential retaliatory actions targeting British and US nationals stationed at Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean roughly 4,000 kilometers from Iran.
This announcement follows heightened tensions with the United States, particularly in light of recent aggressive statements from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened severe repercussions should Iran decline to engage in a new nuclear agreement.
A senior Iranian military figure has stated that the nationality of military personnel would be insignificant in the event of retaliation, indicating that individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, or Turkey could face consequences if their base is used by American forces.
The threats have been underscored by reports in Iranian state media highlighting the capabilities of Iranian missile technology, particularly the Khorramshahr missiles and Shahed-136 drones, asserting their ability to reach Diego Garcia.
This military posturing comes after Trump reportedly communicated with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, outlining the potential realities of military intervention against Iran, amidst Trump’s calls for renewed sanctions and airstrikes as forms of punitive action.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States has undertaken significant military preparations, deploying at least three Northrop B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia last week.
These strategic assets are believed to be ready for use in any military operations aimed at Iran.
The military base at Diego Garcia has a complex legal status; while the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island, was technically returned to Mauritius in 2024, the base remains under British jurisdiction.
Established in the 1970s for US military operations, the facility is reported to accommodate around 4,000 personnel, with approximately 40 of those being British citizens.
The backdrop to these tensions includes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement reached in 2015 involving Iran and six world powers, including the US. The JCPOA required Iran to limit its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement in May 2018, deeming it excessively beneficial to Iran, leading to the deterioration of diplomatic relations and increasing regional instability.
This announcement follows heightened tensions with the United States, particularly in light of recent aggressive statements from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened severe repercussions should Iran decline to engage in a new nuclear agreement.
A senior Iranian military figure has stated that the nationality of military personnel would be insignificant in the event of retaliation, indicating that individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, or Turkey could face consequences if their base is used by American forces.
The threats have been underscored by reports in Iranian state media highlighting the capabilities of Iranian missile technology, particularly the Khorramshahr missiles and Shahed-136 drones, asserting their ability to reach Diego Garcia.
This military posturing comes after Trump reportedly communicated with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, outlining the potential realities of military intervention against Iran, amidst Trump’s calls for renewed sanctions and airstrikes as forms of punitive action.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States has undertaken significant military preparations, deploying at least three Northrop B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia last week.
These strategic assets are believed to be ready for use in any military operations aimed at Iran.
The military base at Diego Garcia has a complex legal status; while the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island, was technically returned to Mauritius in 2024, the base remains under British jurisdiction.
Established in the 1970s for US military operations, the facility is reported to accommodate around 4,000 personnel, with approximately 40 of those being British citizens.
The backdrop to these tensions includes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement reached in 2015 involving Iran and six world powers, including the US. The JCPOA required Iran to limit its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement in May 2018, deeming it excessively beneficial to Iran, leading to the deterioration of diplomatic relations and increasing regional instability.
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