Iran Warns of Destruction of Diego Garcia if US Attacks
Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating further. Iran has issued a warning stating that if the United States dares to attack, it will completely destroy the British-controlled Diego Garcia Island. This threat comes after the U.S. issued a warning about attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump has given Iran a two-month ultimatum, stating that if Iran does not engage in talks regarding the nuclear agreement, the U.S. will launch an attack on Iran.
U.S. Grants Israel Permission to Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites
For the first time in U.S. history, the U.S. has granted Israel permission to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. This has further intensified the Middle East crisis. Iran’s response to these developments has been aggressive, with Iranian military officials warning of retaliation if any U.S. or Israeli actions threaten their sovereignty.
Iran Threatens to Target Diego Garcia
A senior Iranian military official informed The Telegraph that if Iran is attacked, it will target the U.S.-UK joint naval base at Diego Garcia. The official further stated, “If Iran is attacked from any base within the region or within the range of Iranian missiles, there will be no distinction between British or American forces as targets.”
Iran’s state media has echoed these sentiments, warning that Iran has enough weapons to strike Diego Garcia from its mainland, including the new Khorramshahr missile variant with a range of 4000 kilometers. Additionally, Iran has the Shahed-136 kamikaze drone, which it plans to use in its retaliation.
Diego Garcia: A Strategic U.S.-UK Base
Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago, which is actually part of Mauritius. The island has been under British control for years, although Britain has now expressed readiness to return the island to Mauritius. Diego Garcia has historically been a joint airbase and naval base for both the U.S. and the UK, and it is home to around 4,000 military personnel from both countries.
The United States has recently stationed its B-2 stealth bombers, some of the most powerful bombers in the world, at Diego Garcia. These bombers are designed to strike underground nuclear facilities, and they are capable of dropping bombs weighing more than 25 tons in one go. The U.S. plans to use these bombers to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, which are built deep underground.
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Consequences of an Attack on Diego Garcia
If Iran attacks Diego Garcia, it is expected to trigger a full-scale war, and there is little doubt that the U.S. will retaliate directly against Iran. However, Diego Garcia is protected by an advanced U.S. air defense system, which may prevent Iranian missiles from penetrating the defenses.
In response to Iran’s threats, the British government has condemned the warnings in strong terms. A spokesperson for the British government stated that “We strongly condemn these threats. The UK government continues to work with partners across the region to de-escalate tensions.” The spokesperson emphasized that Diego Garcia plays a critical role in ensuring the security of both the U.S. and the UK and contributes significantly to regional and international security.
The Status of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia is located approximately 3,800 kilometers from Iran. Satellite images have confirmed that at least three B-2 Spirit bombers have arrived at the base, indicating that the U.S. is preparing for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over Diego Garcia, but Britain has refused to relinquish control due to the strategic and military importance of the base. The island is vital for both U.S. and British military operations, and its future remains a point of contention in international relations.
