Can Iranian missiles reach Europe after Diego Garcia strike

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

LONDON, UK — Iran's recent firing of long-range ballistic missiles towards the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia marks a clear escalation in the Middle East conflict and raises pressing questions about Europe's safety.

Although the missiles failed to hit their targets, the launch reveals that Tehran has surpassed its self-imposed 2,000-kilometer range limit. This development has sparked intense debates among defense experts and Israeli officials regarding whether European capitals like London, Paris, and Berlin are now within striking distance.

The Diego Garcia strike and range debates

The Chagos Islands, home to the Diego Garcia military base, are located approximately 3,800 kilometers from Iran. Reports indicate that while the ballistic missiles were launched, one was neutralized in mid-air and another was intercepted by a US warship. Despite the failure to inflict damage, the distance covered proves a significant leap in Iran's operational capability.

Historically, Tehran maintained a self-imposed limit of 2,000 kilometers for its ballistic missile program, putting Israel in range but keeping Europe out of the crosshairs. Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had noted in 2021 that this was a political choice rather than a technical limitation. However, the recent 3,800-kilometer launch forces a global re-evaluation. Retired British General Richard Barrons emphasized that the international community must now rethink Iran's missile stockpile, as the previous 2,000-kilometer assumption has been shattered.

Israel warns of European threat

Following the incident, the Israeli military quickly claimed that several cities across Europe, Asia, and Africa are now at risk. Israeli Major General Eyal Zamir released a video statement warning about the new reality and the potential dangers facing Western nations.

"Iran launched a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of four thousand kilometers. The missiles were not intended to hit Israel," Zamir stated. "Their sphere of influence extends to European capitals. Berlin, Paris, and Rome are under direct threat."

Expert perspectives on true intentions

Despite Israeli warnings, some Western officials and experts urge caution and advise against panic. A UK minister stated that there is no concrete assessment suggesting Iran has missiles currently capable of reaching London. Dr. Karin von Hippel, former director-general of the London-based think tank RUSI, noted that while Iranians are developing intercontinental ballistic missiles with ranges up to 10,000 kilometers, they have not yet been seen in full operation.

Former Israeli military intelligence officer Danny Citrinowicz suggested the move was psychological, aimed at boosting deterrence rather than signaling an imminent attack on Europe. Meanwhile, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Richard Shirreff criticized Israel's rhetoric, arguing that it is in Israel's strategic interest to expand the war narrative and drag the US and other countries into a broader regional conflict.

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