Heating Up! Iran Missiles US-UK Base, Europe Becomes Target

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Iran has launched a missile attack on the joint United States (US) and UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. However, the two missiles fired were reported to have failed to reach their target. UK Housing Minister Steve Reed confirmed that the attack was indeed aimed at the strategic base. “Our assessment is that Iran was indeed targeting Diego Garcia. One missile fell short before reaching the target, while the other was successfully intercepted,” he told the BBC, quoted from CNBC International, Sunday (22/3/2026). The Israeli military revealed that Iran used two-stage ballistic missiles with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, capable of reaching the capitals of European countries. “These missiles were not aimed at attacking Israel. Their range covers European capitals—Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” said Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The Wall Street Journal first reported the attack on Friday, citing several US officials. This attack is described as the first operational use of Iran’s medium-range missiles, marking an escalation in the conflict that extends far beyond the Middle East region. The UK Ministry of Defence stated that Iran’s reckless attack and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz pose a threat to UK and allied interests. Royal Air Force jets and other military assets are said to continue being deployed to protect personnel in the area. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump responded strongly to the action. He issued an ultimatum to Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. “If Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz without threats within 48 hours, the United States will attack and destroy their power plants,” Trump asserted. The threat came a day after Trump had signalled a willingness to de-escalate the conflict. Iran did not remain silent. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any attack on the country’s energy infrastructure would be met with the destruction of energy facilities across the region. “All energy infrastructure and oil facilities in the region will become legitimate targets and will be permanently destroyed,” he said. Meanwhile, the Iran-Israel conflict is also intensifying. Iran’s missile strikes hit areas near Israel’s nuclear research centre in Dimona and Arad, causing dozens of injuries. This marks the first time Israel’s nuclear facilities have been directly targeted since the war broke out. The impact of the conflict is also felt on global energy routes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, is now practically paralysed. Oil prices have surged sharply as a result. Brent crude closed at $112.19 per barrel, the highest since 2022. To curb the price spike, the US has even relaxed sanctions on Iranian oil purchases for 30 days. G7 countries have stated they are prepared to take steps to maintain global energy supplies and secure shipping lanes.