Amid rising tensions, Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles toward a US-UK military base, prompting concerns about regional stability and the potential for escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Key Points
- Iran fired two ballistic missiles towards US-UK base at Diego Garcia; interception status unclear.
- Strike suggests Iran's missile range may exceed its stated 2,000 km limit.
- Trump says US close to objectives, not seeking ceasefire, signals possible drawdown.
- Iran warns of attacks on global civilian locations, raising security concerns beyond West Asia.
- Ongoing conflict disrupting oil supplies, pushing up fuel and food prices globally, impacting India.
Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards the joint United States-United Kingdom military base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, even as US President Donald Trump said Washington, DC is 'very close' to winding down its military operations against Tehran, according to a media report.
Citing US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported that one of the missiles failed mid-flight, while a US warship launched an SM-3 interceptor against the second.
It remains unclear whether the interception was successful.
The attempted strike is significant given that Diego Garcia lies about 4,000 km from Iran, suggesting Tehran's missile capabilities may extend far beyond its publicly stated range of 2,000 km.
The base, jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom, is a key strategic facility in the Indian Ocean region.
Not seeking a ceasefire: Trump
Amid the escalating conflict, Trump reiterated that the US is not seeking a ceasefire, asserting that military operations could soon be scaled down as objectives are nearly met.
Meanwhile, Iran signalled a potential widening of the conflict, with top military spokesperson General Abolfazl Shekarchi warning that 'parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations' worldwide would not be safe for its adversaries.
The threat has heightened concerns that Tehran could resort to attacks beyond West Asia, even as the ongoing conflict continues to disrupt global oil supplies and push up food and fuel prices.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a message marking Nowruz, praised the resilience of Iranians amid the war.
However, uncertainty persists over the extent of damage to Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure following sustained US and Israeli strikes since late February.
The conflict, now in its third week, has shown no signs of easing, with geopolitical tensions and economic repercussions being felt globally, including in energy-import dependent countries like India.
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