There is currently „no assessment to substantiate“ claims made by Israel regarding Iran’s possession of long-range missiles that could potentially reach London, according to a UK cabinet minister.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that there is „no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK – or even could if they wanted to,“ following assertions from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that Tehran has developed weapons with a range of up to 4,000km (2,485 miles).
Iran’s Recent Military Actions
This statement follows reports that Iran attempted to strike the joint US-UK military base located on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, approximately 3,800km from Iran.
Reed refrained from disclosing how close the missiles came to British territory, citing the need to protect „operational details.“
During the early hours of Friday, Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia; one missile failed and fell short, while the other was intercepted.
Israeli Claims and UK Response
In the wake of the attempted attack, the IDF reiterated that it had previously indicated Iran’s intentions to develop missiles capable of reaching Europe, Asia, and Africa. The IDF stated, „We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat. Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin.“
Reed countered this assertion, emphasizing that there is „no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK or even could, if they wanted to.“
He added, „We are perfectly capable of protecting this country and keeping this country safe, whether it’s here at home, or whether it’s our assets and nationals across the region,“ during an interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
When pressed further about the IDF’s statements, Reed reiterated, „There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said.“
Capabilities of the Iranian Military
Even if Iran possessed the capability to launch strikes at such distances, Reed asserted that the British armed forces would be equipped to defend the UK. The longest-range weapon in Iran’s arsenal is believed to have a maximum range of 2,000km, which is significantly less than the distances to both Diego Garcia and London.
Reed’s Conservative colleague, Sir James Cleverly, acknowledged that Iran is deploying „very, very long-range missiles,“ but he refrained from confirming whether these could reach the UK, as he no longer has access to the intelligence reports he received while serving as foreign secretary.
Sir Richard Shirreff, a retired British Army general and former NATO commander, commented that Israel’s claims regarding Iranian capabilities should be taken „seriously, but as seriously as the potential for Russian missiles to come this way as well.“
He added, „But I would also say that of course Israel is going to say this, because it is in Israel’s interest to broaden the war, to bring as many nations in on this war.“
UK’s Military Strategy and Political Reactions
The UK government has permitted British airbases to be utilized for strikes against sites threatening UK interests and allies in the region. Recently, it expanded the targets under this „collective self-defense“ justification to include Iranian sites that pose threats to vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route responsible for transporting a fifth of the world’s oil.
In addition to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, the UK has granted the US permission to utilize Diego Garcia for these bombing operations. The attempted Iranian strike on Diego Garcia occurred prior to this latest decision.
Reed denied that the UK is seeking to escalate the conflict, asserting that it is „necessary to adapt to the new targets that the Iranians are focusing on.“
Sir James criticized the government for its earlier decision to deny the US permission to use British bases, stating that it had „damaged our credibility in the international sphere.“
He remarked, „We’re relying on other countries to protect British personnel, British nationals and British interests and that is not the position we should be.“
The Liberal Democrats and Green Party have expressed concerns that this move could risk expanding the UK’s involvement in the conflict, calling for Parliament to be given a vote on allowing the US to use British bases for strikes.
Reed dismissed these demands, arguing that there is „no precedent for a vote in Parliament for defending British people who are under attack.“
Bildquelle: ai-generated-gemini
