Iran Again Strikes Natanz as Failed Diego Garcia Missile Attack Highlights Extended Range
Iran appears to have launched long‑range missiles that unsuccessfully targeted the joint U.K.–U.S. base at Diego Garcia while, separately, its main enrichment site at Natanz was struck again; analysts raised the possibility the weapons were improvised from a space‑launch vehicle, and Israel’s army chief called the system a two‑stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Iran’s judiciary said there was no radiation leak at Natanz, the IAEA says most of Iran’s roughly 440 kg of enriched uranium is believed to be at Isfahan under rubble with only a smaller amount at Natanz, and both Israel and the Pentagon have declined to confirm responsibility for the Natanz strike.
📌 Key Facts
- Iran targeted the joint U.K.–U.S. base at Diego Garcia on Friday; the strike was unsuccessful and the U.K. Ministry of Defence described Iran as "lashing out" and accused it of "holding hostage" the Strait of Hormuz.
- Military experts raised the possibility Iran used a space‑launch vehicle improvised for firing, while Israel’s army chief called the weapon "a two‑stage intercontinental ballistic missile," a more aggressive assessment that implies extended range.
- Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was struck again; Iran’s judiciary news agency Mizan reported the new strike and said there was no radiation leakage.
- The IAEA stated that most of Iran’s roughly 970 pounds (440 kg) of enriched uranium is believed to be at Isfahan under rubble, with only a smaller amount remaining at Natanz.
- Responsibility for the Natanz attack remains unclear: Israel’s military said it was "not aware" of any Israeli strike, and the Pentagon declined to comment.
📊 Relevant Data
The Iranian-American population in the United States has grown to approximately 750,000 as of 2024, representing 0.2% of the total U.S. population, with significant concentrations in California (about 210,000 individuals, or 0.54% of the state's population).
7 facts about Iranians in the U.S. — Pew Research Center
Protests in Iran have highlighted discrimination against ethnic minorities, including Sunnis, who make up about 5-10% of the population, amid economic and political failures of the regime, exacerbating sectarian divides during the ongoing war.
Iran and the Shia-Sunni power struggle in the Middle East — Századvég
The war in the Middle East has caused food prices to surge, with flour prices in Gaza increasing by 270% in two days, and global disruptions in fertilizer supplies (up to 30% normally transiting the Strait of Hormuz) leading to higher food inflation, disproportionately affecting low-income populations in vulnerable regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Gulf countries.
Effects of the Middle East Conflict: Fuel Prices, Civilians and Hunger — World Food Program USA
Iran's enriched uranium stockpile includes 440.9 kg at up to 60% purity, stored mostly at an underground complex in Isfahan, with production continuing despite attacks, as reported by the IAEA.
IAEA report says Iran must allow inspections, points at Isfahan — Reuters
Iran does not currently possess an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. homeland, but its arsenal includes missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km, and estimates suggest it could have up to 8,000 ballistic missiles by 2027 if production continues.
Iran could reach 8000 ballistic missiles by next year, Israeli military says — Iran International
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Article confirms Iran targeted the joint U.K.–U.S. base at Diego Garcia on Friday and that the strike was unsuccessful, with the U.K. Ministry of Defense describing Iran as 'lashing out' and 'holding hostage' the Strait of Hormuz.
- Military experts quoted here raise the possibility that Iran used a space‑launch vehicle for an improvised firing, while Israel’s army chief characterizes the weapon as 'a two‑stage intercontinental ballistic missile,' a more aggressive description than earlier analyses.
- Iran’s judiciary news agency Mizan reports a new strike on the Natanz enrichment facility with no radiation leakage, and the IAEA states that most of Iran’s approximately 970 pounds (440 kg) of enriched uranium is believed to be at Isfahan under rubble, with only a lesser amount at Natanz.
- Israel’s military tells reporters it is 'not aware' of any Israeli strike on Natanz, and the Pentagon declines comment, underscoring ongoing ambiguity over who carried out the latest attack.