Iran war live: Trump again says talks under way; 12 killed in south Tehran

Recent claims by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) allege that Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching European cities like London, with a range of approximately 4,000km. This follows reports that Iran targeted the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, about 3,800km from Iran. While details of the Diego Garcia incident remain limited, reports suggest one missile was intercepted and another failed mid-flight. The UK government, while condemning the attack, has taken a different stance than the US and Israel on the broader conflict. Initially hesitant, the UK now permits the use of its bases for strikes against Iranian sites targeting British allies and interests, including missile launchers threatening commercial shipping.

Recent Iranian missile launches, including a failed attempt to target the US-UK base in Diego Garcia (nearly 4,000km from Iran), have raised concerns about the range and capability of Iran's missile program. While Iran previously claimed a self-imposed limit of 2,000km, Israel alleges their missiles can reach 4,000km, potentially putting much of Europe, including London and Paris, within range. The US and UK closely monitor Iranian missile launches using space-based satellites and ground-based radar systems. Despite possessing a large stockpile of short-range missiles used against Israel and Gulf nations, the extent of Iran's intermediate-range ballistic missile program (3,000km to 5,500km) remains less clear. The launches suggest Iran may not be fully transparent about its missile capabilities.

Iran has denied launching missiles at the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, dismissing claims as an Israeli "false flag" operation. The denial follows reports in US media outlets alleging a missile launch between Thursday night and Friday morning that failed to hit the base. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the accusations are disinformation, noting that even NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte did not confirm Israel's claim that Iranian intercontinental ballistic missiles were used. Confirmation of Iran's involvement would suggest the country possesses missiles with a range exceeding 4,000km, capable of reaching London, despite Iran's previous claims of limiting missile range to under 2,000km.

In March 2026, President Trump ordered the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This decision followed what Trump described as "good and productive conversations" with Tehran. According to Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, this postponement could offer Trump an "off-ramp" from potential war with Iran, despite the US not pursuing regime change. The strikes were planned against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The reason for the postponement was to allow for further diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran.

Since February 28th, the US and Israel have conducted bombing raids in Iran, killing dozens of senior officials, including a former supreme leader. Despite these losses, Iran argues its political system remains solid and resilient. This conflict, now in its fourth week, contrasts with a previous US raid in Venezuela where President Maduro was abducted. The situation has caused a surge in oil prices, prompting President Trump to temporarily halt strikes on Iranian power plants for five days. The US has also threatened to deploy more warships and marines to the region, raising concerns about further escalation. Analysts suggest Iran is likely to withstand these attacks, unlike Venezuela.

On March 22, 2026, the UK condemned an alleged Iranian missile attack targeting the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. US media reported that two ballistic missiles were launched, with one failing and the other intercepted by a US warship. An Iranian official denied Iran's involvement in the incident, which occurred after the US and Israel initiated a war on Iran in February, aiming to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The US has not officially commented on the missile launch. The alleged attack happened hours before the UK agreed to allow the US to use its military bases for self-defense measures against Iran. Diego Garcia is located 4,000km from Iran.

Iran launched ballistic missiles towards the UK-US Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, nearly 4,000km from its coast, signaling its continued capabilities amidst ongoing conflict. The launch, occurring after three weeks of US-Israeli bombardment, demonstrates a missile range exceeding previous estimates of 3,000km for Iranian medium-range ballistic missiles. While a UK official stated the attack was unsuccessful, experts note the significance of Iran's ability to strike such a distant target. The Diego Garcia base is a military facility used by the US for missions related to the conflict with Iran. This action suggests Iran aims to demonstrate its strategic reach despite facing military pressure.

US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, demanding the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the demand was not met. The ultimatum followed reports from Israeli officials that Iran had launched long-range missiles for the first time, with one strike injuring dozens near Israel's nuclear site. According to the Israeli military, Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The Israeli military stated that these missiles, while not targeting Israel, have the range to reach European capitals.

According to US media reports, Iran launched ballistic missiles at a military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, a territory jointly used by the UK and the US. The reported attack occurred on Friday morning and involved two medium-range missiles. While the missiles were launched, reports indicate they failed to hit the facility. As of yet, neither the UK nor the US governments have publicly confirmed the incident. The Chagos Islands are currently subject to a diplomatic dispute involving the UK, the US, and Mauritius. The reports also mention US President Trump's criticism of UK Prime Minister Starmer's refusal to authorize the base's use for US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Iran reportedly launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean, on Friday. The alleged launch, approximately 2,500 miles from Iran, suggests that Iran's missile capabilities exceed previously stated limits. Prior to Operation Epic Fury on February 28th, Iranian officials claimed their missiles had a range below 2,000 km. An Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson stated the missiles had a 4,000 km range and were capable of reaching European capitals. Experts suggest this action proves the Trump administration's concerns about Iran's missile capabilities were justified and that Iran's missile program poses a significant threat.

In March 2026, the UK reported that Iran launched ballistic missiles at the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to the UK, the missile attack was unsuccessful. The UK government condemned Iran's actions, describing them as reckless. Diego Garcia, a strategically important location, has been identified as a potential target. The reason for the attack was not explicitly stated in the report.

In March 2026, the war between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its fourth week, resulting in over 1,400 deaths in Iran, including many children. The conflict began with attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation against Israel and US bases, including a missile strike on the Diego Garcia base. Iran has threatened further action against Western countries, Gulf states, and global shipping, citing self-defense after the UK allowed the US to use its bases for strikes. The Iranian military has launched numerous attacks on Israel and US bases in the Gulf, escalating conflict at energy sites. Millions of Iranians observed Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz amidst the ongoing conflict and anti-Western protests. The US is reportedly considering winding down the conflict but has ruled out a ceasefire.