Get you up to speed: Netanyahu warns Iran‘s missiles can reach deep into Europe amid doubts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Diego Garcia, which is approximately 4,000 kilometres away. He claimed that Iran now possesses the capacity to reach deep into Europe and has already targeted a European country, Cyprus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran’s missiles can reach “deep into Europe” and claimed they have fired on Cyprus, while UK ministers have stated that Israel‘s warnings are exaggerated. Dr Katayoun Shahandeh from SOAS, University of London, noted that the recent strike near Diego Garcia highlights Iran’s capabilities and raises concerns about implications for Europe, including London.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his warning that Iran now possesses the capability to target countries deep into Europe, highlighting the recent missile strike on Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Steve Reed affirmed that the British military is “perfectly capable” of protecting the UK, despite concerns raised about Iran’s missile capabilities.
Netanyahu makes public appearance to say Iran’s missiles ‘can strike deep into Europe’ | News World
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Iran’s missiles can reach ‘deep into Europe’ after other sources said his claims were exaggerated.
Speaking publicly after Iran targeted Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands with two intermediate-range ballistic missiles, Netanyahu reiterated his warning.
‘They fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Diego Garcia – that’s 4,000 kilometres,’ he said.
‘I’ve been warning all the time. They now have the capacity to reach deep into Europe. They have already fired on a European country, Cyprus.
‘They are putting everyone in their sights.’
But senior ministers in the UK have said Israel’s warnings about Iran developing long-range missiles capable of reaching Europe are exaggerated.
The strike near Diego Garcia has put countries on edge (Picture: Getty)
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the British military is ‘perfectly capable” of protecting the country.
Earlier today, two leading experts in the conflict told WTX the suggestions from Israel should be treated with ‘caution’.
But Dr Bamo Nouri, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of West London, said: ‘What the Diego Garcia strike demonstrates is not an imminent capability or intent to attack the UK mainland, but a calibrated extension of range tied to a specific military target—a joint US-UK base deeply embedded in ongoing operations against Iran.’
Dr Nouri said the strike near Diego Garcia does raise questions about Iran previously saying its missiles can only travel 2,000km, but ‘capability should not be conflated with intent’.
Dr Katayoun Shahandeh, Lecturer and Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS, University of London, said the strike near Diego Garcia is significant because it shows Iran’s capabilities and functions of strength.
‘It suggests that Tehran is prepared to demonstrate a reach well beyond its immediate region, which is why questions are now being asked about what that might mean for parts of Europe, including London,’ she said.
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