Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, but did not hit the US-British military base on the island in the Indian Ocean.
The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing several official US sources. One of the missiles malfunctioned during flight, while a US warship fired an SM-3 interceptor at the other, the newspaper said. It is unclear when the attack occurred.
London: “Iranian missiles on Diego Garcia, threat to British interests”
The British Ministry of Defense has criticized Iranian attacks as “a threat to British interests” following reports of the launch of two ballistic missiles against the Anglo-American military base of Diego Garcia. SkyNews reports it, quoting the Ministry spokesperson: “Iran’s reckless attacks, which hit the entire region and hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage, represent a threat to British interests and to Great Britain’s allies.” «RAF jets and other British military assets continue to defend our personnel and troops in the region», continued GB Defense underlining that «this government has granted the United States permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.” According to what Sky News has learned, the missiles were launched against Diego Garcia before the update provided yesterday by the British government on the use of its bases by the United States.
US and Israel hit Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility
The United States and Israel have struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, the Islamic Republic’s Atomic Energy Organization said. “Following the criminal attacks perpetrated by the United States and the usurping Zionist regime against our country, the Natanz enrichment complex was targeted this morning,” the organization said in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, adding that “no leakage of radioactive material has been reported” in central Iran.
Israeli raid in southern Lebanon
Lebanese media reported one person dead, and two others injured, following an Israeli raid that hit a house in southern Lebanon. The Beirut media reported it. The IDF, however, announced targeted raids against Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital and also against “terrorist targets” in Tehran.
Putin: “Russia remains a reliable partner for Tehran”
Russia remains a reliable partner for Iran. Vladimir Putin said this in his message of greetings for the Nowruz holiday, the Persian New Year. “I wish the Iranian people to overcome these difficult tests with dignity, and in this difficult moment Moscow remains a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran,” Putin said, according to the Kremlin press service.
Drone attack in Baghdad
A drone attack shook a residential area in central Baghdad this morning, a security official who asked to remain anonymous told AFP. The attack targeted the telecommunications building of an Iraqi security service that works with U.S. military advisers deployed to Iraq in the fight against jihadists, the official added. A second drone, which was filming the operation, crashed into the grounds of a sports club frequented by Iraq’s elite and diplomats, according to the source.
Katz, raid “intensity” will increase in the next few days
“The intensity of attacks conducted by the Israeli and American militaries against the Iranian regime and its associated infrastructure will increase significantly this week.” This was announced by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, after a meeting to assess the situation together with the deputy chief of staff, Tamir Yadai, the head of military intelligence, Shlomi Binder, the director general of defense, Amir Baram, and other senior officials. “The IDF is strong, like the Israeli home front, and we will not stop until all war objectives are achieved,” he added.