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Iran’s long-range missile strike raises stakes
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The United States on Saturday carried out strikes on Iranian coastal and underground military facilities deemed a threat to shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz , according to a senior US military commander.In a video statement posted on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Brad Cooper said American forces targeted infrastructure along Iran’s coastline, including anti-ship missile systems and underground sites linked to maritime disruption capabilities.“US struck Iran’s underground facilities and anti-ship missiles along with intelligence support and radars,” Cooper said, describing the operation as aimed at neutralising threats to commercial shipping lanes.America has repeatedly spoken of its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global trade, particularly oil exports from the Gulf.The US action follows a significant escalation by Tehran, which reportedly launched ballistic missiles targeting a joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia, marking a major expansion in its known strike capability.The remote base, located about 4,000 miles (6,400 km) from Iran and capable of hosting advanced bombers, was not damaged, according to a person familiar with the matter cited in Bloomberg’s report. However, the attack is notable as the first in the ongoing three-week conflict where Iran is believed to have used missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 miles.The development has raised concerns among analysts about previously undisclosed Iranian capabilities. William Alberque, a senior fellow at the Pacific Forum, told Bloomberg that the strike may have involved a modified or prototype missile.“Nobody, and I mean nobody, even guessed” Iran had missiles with that range, Alberque said, suggesting Tehran may have altered existing systems—possibly by reducing payload weight or removing warheads—to extend reach.The attack came shortly before the government of Keir Starmer approved US use of British bases, including Diego Garcia, for “specific and limited defensive operations.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the move, while the UK Ministry of Defence condemned Tehran’s actions as “reckless attacks” threatening British interests and allies.The exchange exposes a widening conflict footprint, with both sides demonstrating capabilities that could further destabilise critical military and economic nodes across the region.At the same time, the latest action, at the Strait of Hormuz, points toward a sharpening US posture against Iran’s maritime threat capabilities, even as the broader conflict shows no signs of de-escalation.