A high-ranking member of the Cabinet has affirmed that there is no indication that Iran is specifically targeting the UK. This statement comes after Israel issued a warning that Tehran has developed long-range missiles capable of reaching major European cities, following an attack on the US-UK base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, approximately 3,800km away.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) shared on X platform that the Iranian regime launched a long-range missile with a range of around 4,000 km, marking the first such launch since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion. The IDF disclosed during Operation Rising Lion in June 2025 that Iran aims to create missiles with a range of 4,000 km, posing a threat to numerous countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite Iranian denials, the IDF emphasized the global threat posed by the regime, now with the capability to target cities like London, Paris, or Berlin.
In response to Israel’s warning, Cabinet minister Steve Reed informed the BBC that there is no specific assessment indicating Iranian intentions to target the UK, emphasizing the UK’s strong military capabilities to safeguard the nation and its interests both domestically and internationally. Reed stated that the UK will not be drawn into any conflict.
When questioned about the possibility of Iranian missiles reaching European capitals, Reed mentioned that there is no evidence to suggest Iran is actively seeking to target Europe. He reassured that even if such attempts were made, the UK possesses the military capacity to defend itself effectively.
Additionally, Mr. Reed dismissed the need for fuel rationing amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He assured the public that there is no current requirement to limit fuel purchases and that the government has contingency plans in place to address any changes in the situation. Reed highlighted previous government interventions to support citizens, such as in the case of escalating heating oil prices to prevent excessive financial burdens on households.