The UK’s Defence Secretary repeatedly refused to state whether Iran has the capability to launch a missile strike on London, as questions mounted following Tehran’s recent attempted attack on the joint UK‑US military base at Diego Garcia.
Pressed on the potential threat to the British capital, the Cabinet minister told Sky News there is “no assessment of Iranian plans to strike London” and emphasised that the UK’s defence is secured through national resources and collective NATO arrangements.
When further challenged on whether defence chiefs believed Iran could reach London, he reiterated his earlier answer, saying only that he understood public concern but affirmed that Britain is equipped and allied to protect itself.
The comments come amid debate among former military leaders over the UK’s ability to counter long‑range missile threats. Analysts have suggested that recent Iranian missile developments could, in theory, place European cities within range, although there is no clear evidence of an intent or concrete capability to target the UK directly.
