TEL AVIV — Iranian forces launched long-range ballistic missiles toward a U.S.-UK military base in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, marking the first time Tehran has employed such weapons in the escalating conflict with Israel and the United States, according to Israeli officials. The strikes, which also targeted areas near Israel's secretive nuclear reactor in Dimona, injured dozens of people and heightened fears of a broader regional war now in its fourth week.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir announced that Iran fired two 4,000-kilometer-range ballistic missiles at the Diego Garcia base, a joint facility located in the Indian Ocean. "These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals — Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range," Zamir said in a statement, underscoring the potential for the conflict to extend far beyond the Middle East.
The attack on Diego Garcia occurred before Britain's defense ministry authorized the U.S. to use British military bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites, a source at the ministry told Reuters. This development came amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran that began on February 28, which have already resulted in more than 2,000 deaths in Iran and 15 in Israel from retaliatory strikes.
Late Saturday, Iranian missiles hit the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, both located near key military installations including the Nevatim Air Base, one of Israel's largest. The strikes injured dozens, including children, according to reports from the scene. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility in a statement early Sunday, saying they targeted "military installations" and security centers in southern Israel.
Israel's secretive nuclear reactor lies about 13 kilometers southeast of Dimona, raising immediate concerns about the proximity of the attacks to sensitive sites. Israeli army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin acknowledged in a post on X that the country's air defenses were operational but failed to intercept the missiles. "We will investigate the incident and learn from it," Defrin said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the Arad strike, calling it "a very difficult evening in the battle for our future." In a statement from his office, he added, "We are determined to continue striking our enemies on all fronts." The attacks marked a significant escalation, as Iran had previously limited its responses to shorter-range weapons within the region.
On the Iranian side, state media reported U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan Natanz enrichment complex early Saturday morning. Technical experts assessed the site and found no radioactive leaks, assuring nearby residents they were not at risk. Israel denied knowledge of the strike, while the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the organization was investigating the claims.
Additional Iranian reports detailed strikes on a passenger terminal in the southern port of Bushehr and an empty passenger ship at nearby Kharg Island, a critical hub for nearly all of Iran's oil exports. These locations are viewed as potential targets if the U.S. escalates by hitting energy infrastructure or deploying ground troops. In response, Iran said it launched drones at U.S. bases in the UAE and Kuwait, which have been used to stage attacks on Iranian Gulf islands.
The conflict spilled over into neighboring countries, with Israel conducting airstrikes on Beirut, targeting sites linked to the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah had fired on Israel in support of Tehran as early as March 2, contributing to what officials describe as the deadliest spillover from the war. Iranian media also reported the deaths of three family members in a strike on a residential building in the city of Ramsar, while Israel said its aircraft hit ballistic missile production sites around Tehran.
Saudi Arabia escalated diplomatic tensions by ordering Iran's military attaché and four other diplomats to leave the country on Saturday, declaring them persona non grata. This move reflects growing regional unease as the war disrupts key trade routes and alliances.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a possible de-escalation on Friday, posting on Truth Social that the administration was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran. "We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran," Trump wrote. He emphasized that other countries should take the lead in policing the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane whose near-closure has threatened global energy supplies.
Trump's comments come amid mixed signals from his administration, with Marines and heavy landing craft deploying to the region even as he suggests the Iranian threat is diminishing. American voters are growing concerned about the war's expansion, particularly as energy price shocks fuel inflation — a potential liability for Trump ahead of November elections where Republicans risk losing Congress.
Trump has criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to assist in reopening the strait, accusing them of cowardice. Some allies have expressed willingness to consider involvement, but most remain hesitant to join a conflict initiated without prior consultation. The strait, which handles about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas, has been effectively closed to most shipping, exacerbating shortages worldwide.
The economic fallout has been swift and severe. Natural gas prices in Europe surged as much as 35 percent this week following Israeli strikes on Iran's largest gas field and Iranian attacks on neighbors' energy infrastructure. The European Union urged members to lower gas-storage targets and begin refilling reserves gradually to manage demand, according to the Financial Times.
Countries like India, facing acute cooking gas shortages, have negotiated limited passage through the strait, with two tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas departing last week and two more positioned on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday to discuss further access. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Kyodo news agency that Tehran is prepared to allow Japan-related vessels to pass, given that the strait carries around 90 percent of Japan's oil imports.
As the conflict enters its fourth week, the international community watches warily for signs of further escalation or a path to resolution. With long-range missiles now in play and economic pressures mounting, the stakes have never been higher for all involved parties.