Iran threatens preemptive strikes on Diego Garcia amid rising tensions
- In Reports
- 01:19 PM, Apr 02, 2025
- Myind Staff
Iran has threatened a preemptive missile strike on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean where the United States has stationed strategic bombers. The move is reportedly aimed at deterring any potential attack by the US, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
Iranian Officials Call for Military Action
According to a report in the British Telegraph, senior Iranian military officials have urged their leadership to authorise a strike if former US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran intensify. An Iranian official cited in the report emphasised that discussions about targeting Diego Garcia have increased significantly since the deployment of American bombers there.
"The response to Trump's threats must come through action, not words. Every base in the region is within the range of our missiles," the official stated.
Iranian commanders have reportedly been instructed to ensure that all missile systems are operational and that the country’s nuclear facilities are well-protected. "They are preparing for an all-out war, with everything in place for the moment Trump decides to attack," the source added.
Satellite Images Reveal US Military Build-up
Recent satellite images released last week confirmed the presence of at least three Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bombers at Diego Garcia. These bombers, capable of evading advanced air defense systems and delivering precision strikes, were accompanied by transport and refueling aircraft.
Diego Garcia, a key military installation, is part of the Chagos Archipelago, a British-owned territory in the Indian Ocean. The island has been leased to the US as a military base, though its future remains uncertain. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed an interest in returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The Telegraph reported that Starmer’s government has proposed a plan to lease Diego Garcia back to Britain for an annual fee of €90 million, allowing US forces to maintain their presence.
Trump Warns of Severe Consequences for Iran
Earlier this week, Donald Trump intensified his threats against Iran, warning that failure to negotiate a new nuclear deal would lead to devastating consequences. "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombings. Bombings of a kind they've never seen before," Trump told NBC. He also suggested imposing "secondary tariffs" on Iran, which would prevent violators from engaging in business with the US.
Iran has consistently refused direct negotiations with Trump but has indicated openness to indirect talks. In response to Trump’s threats, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation if any military action was taken against the country.
"The Zionist entity and the Americans will suffer a severe and powerful blow if they take any wrongful action," Khamenei warned on Monday. However, he also expressed doubt that an attack by the US or Israel was imminent, calling it "highly unlikely."
Iranian Media Issues Further Warnings
Iranian state media echoed the government’s stance, reinforcing the threats against the US. The Tehran Times published an exclusive report claiming that Iran has already deployed missiles capable of striking US bases and other strategic targets.
"A significant number of these missiles, ready for launch, are located in underground facilities scattered across the country, designed to withstand aerial attacks," the report stated.
As tensions remain high, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns that any misstep could lead to a broader conflict in the region.
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