As the US–Israel war with Iran enters its 23rd day, there are few signs of de-escalation, with fresh threats, missile exchanges and military build-ups continuing to push the conflict into more dangerous territory.
From escalating rhetoric to expanding military operations, here’s what we know so far.
The denial comes after a report by The Wall Street Journal claimed that Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards the joint US-UK military base in the Chagos Archipelago. However, one missile failed during flight, while the other was likely intercepted.
The report did not specify when the missiles were fired.
Diego Garcia lies about 4,000 kilometres from Iran, and the reported strike attempt, now denied by Tehran as per the Al Jazeera report, would have raised questions about the actual range of Iran's missile capabilities, which the country has publicly said is limited.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The British Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
HMS Anson, armed with Tomahawk Block IV missiles and Spearfish torpedoes, left Perth earlier this month and travelled roughly 5,500 miles to the region, the Daily Mail said.
The submarine surfaces periodically to communicate with the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, where any launch order would be authorised by the prime minister and conveyed by the chief of joint operations, the report added.
"One missile was intercepted, while the other two fell in an uninhabited area," a spokesperson for the ministry posted on social media.
Early Sunday morning, the Saudi Civil Defense issued a warning, before cancelling it seven minutes later after determining the danger had passed.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that Washington will “obliterate” its power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, sharply escalating tensions in the region.
“U.S. forces remain centered on very clear military objectives in eliminating Iran's ability to project power against Americans, and against its neighbors,” it said.
According to Iranian media, the Unified Combatant Command of the Iranian Armed Forces said that if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked, “all energy infrastructures belonging to the U.S. in the region will be targeted.”
In a post on X, Moosavi said, “From this moment, I declare the missile dominance of Iran's sons over the skies of the occupied territories. The new tactics and launch systems employed in the upcoming waves will leave the American-Zionist commanders dumbfounded. Tonight, the skies over the south of the occupied territories will remain illuminated for hours.”
“If the Israeli regime fails to intercept the missiles in the highly protected Dimona area, it is operationally a sign of entering a new phase of the battle: Israel's skies are defenseless. As a result, it seems the time has come to implement the next pre-designed plans. Happy Nowruz to the Iranian nation,” he said in a post on X.
According to media reports, the Israeli Air Force is investigating how the missile evaded interception. Israeli media, citing military sources, reported that there were two failed attempts to intercept the projectile.
Inputs from agencies
From escalating rhetoric to expanding military operations, here’s what we know so far.
Baghdad base targeted
Iran's official IRNA news agency said on Sunday that a drone attack targeted a military base near the Baghdad International Airport.Iran Denies Role in Missile Attempt on Diego Garcia
Iran denied targeting the UK's military base on Diego Garcia, with a senior official telling Al Jazeera that Tehran was not behind the reported missile attempt.The denial comes after a report by The Wall Street Journal claimed that Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards the joint US-UK military base in the Chagos Archipelago. However, one missile failed during flight, while the other was likely intercepted.
The report did not specify when the missiles were fired.
Diego Garcia lies about 4,000 kilometres from Iran, and the reported strike attempt, now denied by Tehran as per the Al Jazeera report, would have raised questions about the actual range of Iran's missile capabilities, which the country has publicly said is limited.
UK Nuclear-Powered Submarine Positioned in Arabian Sea
A British nuclear-powered submarine equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles has taken position in the Arabian Sea, giving Britain the capability to launch long-range strikes if regional conflict escalates, the Daily Mail reported on Saturday.Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The British Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
HMS Anson, armed with Tomahawk Block IV missiles and Spearfish torpedoes, left Perth earlier this month and travelled roughly 5,500 miles to the region, the Daily Mail said.
The submarine surfaces periodically to communicate with the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, where any launch order would be authorised by the prime minister and conveyed by the chief of joint operations, the report added.
Saudi Arabia Reports Three Ballistic Missiles Targeted Riyadh Area
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense said Sunday three ballistic missiles had been detected around the capital."One missile was intercepted, while the other two fell in an uninhabited area," a spokesperson for the ministry posted on social media.
Early Sunday morning, the Saudi Civil Defense issued a warning, before cancelling it seven minutes later after determining the danger had passed.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that Washington will “obliterate” its power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, sharply escalating tensions in the region.
Trump Gives 48-Hour Deadline to Open Strait of Hormuz
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”US Military Objectives Focused on Iran’s Capabilities
Meanwhile, US Central Command said its objectives remain focused on curbing Iran’s military reach.“U.S. forces remain centered on very clear military objectives in eliminating Iran's ability to project power against Americans, and against its neighbors,” it said.
Iran Warns of Strikes on US Energy Infrastructure
In response, Iran has issued a strong warning, signalling potential retaliation across the region.According to Iranian media, the Unified Combatant Command of the Iranian Armed Forces said that if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked, “all energy infrastructures belonging to the U.S. in the region will be targeted.”
IRGC Claims ‘Missile Dominance’ Over Israeli Skies
Iranian military officials also struck a defiant tone. Major General Seyed Majid Moosavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, claimed that Iran now holds the upper hand in the skies over Israeli-controlled territory.In a post on X, Moosavi said, “From this moment, I declare the missile dominance of Iran's sons over the skies of the occupied territories. The new tactics and launch systems employed in the upcoming waves will leave the American-Zionist commanders dumbfounded. Tonight, the skies over the south of the occupied territories will remain illuminated for hours.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Signals ‘New Phase’ of Conflict
Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, suggested that recent developments mark a turning point in the conflict.“If the Israeli regime fails to intercept the missiles in the highly protected Dimona area, it is operationally a sign of entering a new phase of the battle: Israel's skies are defenseless. As a result, it seems the time has come to implement the next pre-designed plans. Happy Nowruz to the Iranian nation,” he said in a post on X.
Israeli Defence Failures Under Scrutiny After Arad Strike
Meanwhile, questions are being raised over Israel’s air defence systems after a ballistic missile struck the southern city of Arad.According to media reports, the Israeli Air Force is investigating how the missile evaded interception. Israeli media, citing military sources, reported that there were two failed attempts to intercept the projectile.
Inputs from agencies
