The UK has condemned Iran’s “reckless attack” on the Chagos Islands' Diego Garcia base, which saw two ballistic missiles launched from the Islamic Republic towards the British territory.
Accompanying the strike was a chilling message from Tehran, which warned that “British lives are in danger”.
"Iran's reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding to ransom the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies," a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
The spokesman confirmed that British military forces remain actively engaged in protecting personnel stationed in the area.
"RAF jets and other UK military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region," the spokesman added.
It came as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded furiously to Britain's decision to grant the United States access to its military facilities.
He claimed Keir Starmer was “ignoring his own people” and “putting British lives in danger” by continuing to side with the US.
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed its decision to permit American forces access to British bases.
The UK has condemned the Iranian strike on the Diego Garcia base
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"This government has given permission to the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations," the MoD spokesperson said.
Taking to X, Foreign Minister Araghchi declared: "Iran will exercise its right to self-defence."The minister accused the Prime Minister of disregarding public sentiment in Britain over the conflict.
He said that the "vast majority of the British people do not want any part in the Israel-US war of choice on Iran."
"Ignoring his own People, Mr Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran," the Foreign Minister stated.
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Iran warned 'British lives are in danger' following the decision to let US warplanes use British bases
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The missile attack on Diego Garcia came after Sir Keir Starmer authorised American forces to use the British base for collective self-defence operations on Friday.
Tehran fired two ballistic missiles at the installation, located approximately 2,500 miles from Iranian territory, though neither struck its target.
According to US sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, one missile was destroyed by an interceptor launched from an American warship, while the second malfunctioned during flight.
The assault demonstrates that Iran's missile capabilities may extend further than Western intelligence had previously assessed.
The MoD accused Iran of 'lashing out across the region and holding to ransom the Strait of Hormuz'
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Downing Street confirmed that ministers had agreed British bases could now support US defensive operations targeting capabilities used to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has maintained an effective blockade of the vital waterway for weeks, attacking ships attempting passage through the strait.
Despite granting base access, the Prime Minister faced sharp criticism from President Trump over the timing of Britain's decision.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said: "It's been a very late response from the UK."
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