Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran demonstrated long-range missile capabilities by firing two projectiles at a joint U.S.-UK military installation last month, raising concerns about threats to European allies.
Hegseth’s warning came after Iran launched missiles at Diego Garcia, a strategic base in the Indian Ocean used by American and British forces. Both missiles failed to reach their targets, according to UK government confirmation.
Israeli military assessments indicate Iranian missiles can travel approximately 4,000 kilometers, placing multiple nations across Europe, Asia, and Africa within potential strike range. “Two days ago they shot two failed missiles on a target 4,000km away,” Hegseth said. “For years, they told the world that their missiles could only range 2,000 kilometres. Surprise. Yet again, Iran lied.”
The Global Implications
The distance from Iran to London measures roughly 4,000 kilometers, matching the demonstrated range of Iranian missiles. Hegseth emphasized the significance of this capability for allied nations. “London is 4,000km from Iran,” he stated, arguing the threat extends far beyond the Middle East.
The warning reflects broader tensions between Tehran and Washington amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conditioned any ceasefire agreement on Iran’s removal of enriched uranium stockpiles, dismantling of ballistic missile infrastructure, and cessation of support for regional proxy forces.
Nuclear Negotiations at Standstill
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei ordered this week that enriched uranium stockpiles “should not leave the country,” directly rejecting demands from the Trump administration. The directive represents a significant obstacle to ongoing peace talks between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian officials argue that transferring nuclear material abroad would compromise national security and increase vulnerability to military strikes from the United States and Israel. “The Supreme Leader’s directive and the consensus within the establishment is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” one Iranian source said on condition of anonymity.
Trump had previously sought assurances from Israeli officials that Iran’s highly enriched uranium inventory would be completely removed from Iranian territory, according to Reuters reporting.
The Fragile Ceasefire
A ceasefire has held since April 8 following military strikes by the U.S. and Israel on February 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Negotiators working through Pakistani mediation have failed to achieve substantial diplomatic progress despite the pause in active hostilities.
Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, provides strategic leverage in negotiations. However, a strict U.S. naval blockade limits Iranian shipping activity, complicating bargaining positions for both sides.
This story has been updated. CNN’s international desk contributed to this report.