Foreign secretary denounces ‘reckless Iran threats’ after missiles fired at Diego Garcia
UK Foreign Secretary Condemns Iran’s Escalating Threats Following Missile Attacks on Diego Garcia
Yvette Cooper, the UK’s foreign secretary, criticized Iran’s “reckless threats” after two ballistic missiles were reportedly launched at Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base in the Chagos Islands. She emphasized that the UK would continue to offer defensive support against these attacks but stressed the country’s commitment to avoiding broader conflict in the Middle East.
Missile Incidents and Regional Tensions
The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported the missile strikes, citing unnamed US officials. Neither weapon reached its target, with one failing mid-flight and the other intercepted by a US warship. While the BBC confirms the accuracy of the reports, doubts remain about Iran’s ability to fire missiles capable of reaching Diego Garcia, which lies approximately 2,350 miles from Tehran.
UK’s Strategic Position and Political Reactions
Cooper reiterated the UK’s focus on “swift resolution” of the conflict, aligning with the national interest and regional stability. She highlighted Iran’s threats to international shipping and Gulf allies, urging an end to the escalation. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, will convene a Cobra meeting next week to address the war’s impact on energy costs and the cost of living. The International Energy Agency warned that oil supply disruptions could ripple across global energy markets.
“As the prime minister has made clear, we will provide defensive support against these reckless Iranian threats but have not been—and continue not to be—involved in offensive action,” Cooper stated in an interview.
Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s stance during talks with the Cypriot president, ensuring RAF Akrotiri would not be used to target Iranian missile sites. Earlier this month, Iran had launched drones at a military base in Cyprus, damaging its runway. The country’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, claimed the UK’s involvement in US strikes on Iranian targets was endangering British lives, asserting Iran would “exercise its right to self-defence.”
Chagos Islands’ Sovereignty and Military Lease
The UK government has transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing the Diego Garcia base back to the US. Cooper noted this arrangement was vital for maintaining the base’s operations, which have been under British control since 1814. The islands were previously administered from Mauritius, a British colony, and became an independent territory in 1965, with the UK compensating Mauritius with a £3m grant.
Political factions have reacted sharply to the decision. The Liberal Democrats and Greens called for a parliamentary vote, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled it the “mother of all U-turns.” Cooper linked Iran’s actions to the cost of living crisis, stating the government prioritizes supporting families through measures like an energy cap, which she claimed would “lower energy bills in the spring.”
Cooper’s remarks came as the UK endorsed US strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz, a move she described as necessary to protect regional interests. The US military has not yet commented on the missile incident, leaving questions about its role and the broader implications for international relations.
