Iran Missiles Hit Diego Garcia Base

0:00It's March 21st. Here's your global news in two minutes. Iran fired missiles at Diego Garcia, a vital United States and United Kingdom military base in the Indian Ocean. This strategic outpost supports operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa, making it a prime target amid rising tensions. Last year, the U.S. station nuclear-capable B-2 Spear Bombers there for airstrikes against Yemen's Hathi rebels. Recently, after Iran's struck neighbors, Britain greenlit the use of Diego Garcia and another UK base for limited U.S. strikes on Iranian missile sites, including those threatening ships in the strait of Hormuz. Iran's foreign ministers slammed the UK Prime Minister for risking British lives by allowing the attacks. Iran usually caps its missiles at around 1,240 miles, but Diego Garcia sits well beyond that. Defense experts suggest Iran adapted its space launch rocket for this longer shot, sacrificing accuracy. Diego Garcia belongs to the Chagos Archipelago under British control since 1814.

1:04Back in the 1960s and 70s, Britain cleared out up to 2,000 islanders to build the base, sparking ongoing criticism from the UN, and others pushing for handover to Mauritius. The UK struck a deal last year to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing the base back for 99 years, but U.S. President Donald Trump. He lasted it as stupid and called out UK cooperation issues. With Parliament holding the agreement and fresh missile threats, the base's future hangs in the balance.