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Iran Threatens US Military Base in Diego Garcia Amid Rising Tensions
Amid escalating tensions, Iran has issued a stern warning indicating a key US military base at Diego Garcia and the American troops stationed there could be targeted if President Donald Trump orders military action against Tehran. The threat underscores the volatile situation in the Middle East and raises concerns about potential conflict.
Iranian Military Warns of “Complete Destruction”
Defra Press, a media outlet affiliated with Iranian armed forces, reported on Wednesday that Iran possesses “sufficient weaponry” to strike Diego Garcia. This strategically important, remote island in the Indian Ocean has become a focal point due to the increased US military presence.
The report specifically mentioned US Air Force and Navy assets at Diego Garcia, cautioning that the estimated 4,000 personnel at the base would face “complete destruction” in the event of a US attack on Iran.
Diego Garcia: A Prime Target?
Official estimates typically place the permanent contingent at Diego Garcia at around 400 military personnel and 2,000 civilian contractors. However, Defra Press suggested that the current deployment of strategic military assets has elevated the base’s importance as a potential target.
Potential Iranian Attack Strategies
The Iranian news source outlined possible attack strategies, highlighting the use of advanced Shahed-136 drones for a significant assault. Key capabilities of these drones include:
- Long Range: A range of 4,000km, sufficient to reach Diego Garcia from Iran.
- Explosive Payload: Equipped with a destructive explosive charge.
- Swarm Capability: Capable of being launched in rapid succession.
- Loitering Munition: Can “loiter” over targets for extended periods before striking.
- Precision Strike: Designed to strike personnel, vehicles, and buildings from above.
Despite their capabilities, the drones’ relatively slow speed of 185km/h would result in a lengthy 20-hour flight to Diego Garcia, providing a substantial window for potential interception by US forces.
Ballistic Missile Capabilities
In addition to drones, Tehran could also utilize Khorramshahr ballistic missiles and other long-range weapons. The Khorramshahr missile features:
- Range: 2,000km.
- Warhead: Capacity to carry a 3,300-pound warhead.
However, reports suggest that Iran’s missile stockpile may be depleted due to recent Israeli airstrikes, potentially limiting their capacity for a sustained attack.
Naval Attack Scenario
Another potential scenario involves Iranian warships approaching Diego Garcia to launch missile and drone attacks from the Indian Ocean. Nevertheless, these vessels are considered vulnerable to a strong US naval response.
US Military Buildup in the Middle East
The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East as a show of force. Key deployments include:
- USS Harry Truman: Deployment extended in the region by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- USS Carl Vinson: Rerouted from the South China Sea to the Persian Gulf, joining the USS Harry Truman.
- B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers: Six deployed to the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia.
- Stratotanker Refueling Aircraft: Six deployed to Diego Garcia to support B-2 operations.
This heightened US military presence, featuring a rare dual-carrier deployment, is intended to deter potential Iranian aggression. The B-2 bombers, in particular, are capable of carrying bunker-buster bombs that could target Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Supported by Stratotanker aircraft, these bombers could conduct round-trip missions to Iran from Diego Garcia, covering approximately 5,000 miles.
Escalating Rhetoric and Tensions
This military buildup reflects increasing tensions and US preparedness for potential conflict with Iran. Iran has escalated its rhetoric against the US, with repeated threats against American bases in the Middle East. A senior Iranian official reportedly warned that “each American soldier will be an individual target” if the US attacks Iran. Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh stated that US forces in the region include over 50,000 troops at more than 10 bases, all within range of Iranian weapons.
Past Attacks and Future Threats
Iran has a history of strikes on US bases in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Furthermore, Iran-backed Houthi forces have targeted Al Dhafra Airbase in Abu Dhabi, which hosts both US and French personnel.
Amid these high tensions, President Trump has pledged a firmer stance on Iran, threatening “bombing the likes to which they’ve never seen before” if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does not halt Iran’s nuclear program and support for proxy groups. In response, Ali Larijani, an advisor to Khamenei, stated that if Iran is attacked under a “nuclear pretext,” it would be compelled to pursue the development of an atomic bomb.
Iran’s Nuclear Program Advancement
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported a substantial increase in Iran’s production of uranium enriched to levels suitable for nuclear weapons, alongside an expanding stockpile of near-weapons-grade material, further heightening international concerns.
US Financial Pressure Campaign
Concurrently, the US is applying significant financial pressure on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently met with global banks and law enforcement agencies to discuss US sanctions on Iran, focusing on curtailing oil exports. Bessent emphasized the Trump administration’s “maximum economic pressure” strategy to cut off Iran’s access to funds used to support militant groups and its nuclear program.
He highlighted that Iranian oil sales generate billions annually, which the regime allegedly uses to “finance its dangerous agenda.” The US aims to drive Iranian oil exports to zero. Recent sanctions have targeted tankers carrying Iranian oil and Chinese “teapot” refineries processing it. These smaller, independent refineries are considered a key economic lifeline for Iran, especially as major Chinese refineries have ceased buying Iranian oil due to sanctions concerns.
Bessent also warned financial institutions about Iran’s use of a covert “shadow banking network” for foreign exchange activities, urging them to safeguard against exploitation. The Treasury Department is actively working to disrupt what it calls Iran’s illicit revenue streams, employing tools like the recent meeting to coordinate financial, regulatory, and law enforcement efforts. President Trump has also raised the possibility of “secondary tariffs” on countries dealing with Russia and Iran, further escalating economic pressure.
Despite these pressures, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian purposes.