Iran Fires Long-Range Missiles, Trump Considers Winding Down Military Operation
DUBAI – Iran launched two long-range ballistic missiles at the U.S.-U.K. Military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on Friday, marking the first time Tehran has demonstrated the capability to strike targets at such a distance, according to Israeli military officials.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said the missiles, with a range of 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles), expanded the risk of attacks beyond the Middle East. “These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals – Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Zamir stated.
The attempted strike on Diego Garcia, a strategically important base used for security operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa, occurred before the United Kingdom authorized the use of its military bases for potential U.S. Strikes against Iranian missile sites, a source at Britain’s defense ministry confirmed. The authorization was announced Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, indicated that the U.S. Was nearing its objectives in the conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, and suggested a potential winding down of military efforts. “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” Trump wrote.
Trump also asserted that other nations should assume responsibility for policing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane currently experiencing disruption. “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it – The United States does not!” he stated, adding that the U.S. Would assist if requested, but only after the “Iranian threat is eradicated.”
The U.S. Central Command released video footage on Saturday showing strikes against Iran, though details of the targets and impact remain limited. The conflict, now entering its fourth week, has reportedly resulted in more than 2,000 Iranian deaths, according to state media, and 13 U.S. Servicemembers have died, according to the Pentagon.
The escalating conflict and the potential for disruption to global energy supplies are fueling inflation and creating a political liability for Trump as he approaches November elections, where control of Congress is at stake. Oil prices have surged beyond $100 a barrel, and the average cost of diesel has risen above $5 a gallon.
Trump has faced criticism from NATO allies for their reluctance to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of cowardice. While some allies have expressed consideration, most remain hesitant to join a conflict initiated by the U.S. Without prior consultation. Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency confirmed the attempted strike on Diego Garcia, stating it demonstrated the range of its missiles exceeded previous estimates.
The U.S. Has described the Diego Garcia base as “an all but indispensable platform” for security operations, housing approximately 2,500 personnel, primarily American. It has supported U.S. Military operations dating back to the Vietnam War.