Iran fires ballistic missiles at US-UK Diego Garcia military base, does not hit it — report Iran launched ballistic missiles at the US-UK Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean but did not strike the target, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The attack, which involved two intermediate-range missiles, failed to hit the base, with one missile failing in flight and another intercepted by a US warship. The exact timing of the attack remains unspecified, though the incident highlights Iran’s growing missile capabilities. The Islamic Republic’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, previously claimed Iran’s missiles have a maximum range of 2,000 kilometers, but the attack on Diego Garcia—located approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iran—suggests a longer reach. The strikes come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran retaliating against US and Israeli strikes that have intensified since late last month. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting at least 22 Iranian drones in the eastern part of the country, while Kuwait’s military confirmed its air defenses were engaged by missile and drone threats. These attacks have raised concerns about a potential global energy crisis, as Iran’s targeting of oil infrastructure in the region disrupts critical supply routes. In response to the ongoing conflict, Israel’s military announced it is conducting airstrikes on Iranian regime targets in Tehran. No further details were provided, but the strikes underscore the escalating military confrontation between the two nations. Meanwhile, the Israeli military also reported sirens across central and southern Israel following the detection of Iranian ballistic missile fire, marking the second such attack since midnight.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi #wall_street_journal #diego_garcia
UAE Considers Freezing Iranian Assets Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions The United Arab Emirates is reportedly evaluating measures to restrict Iranian access to billions of dollars held within its borders, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The potential action could severely limit Tehran’s ability to access foreign currency and global trade systems, particularly as Iran’s economy faces mounting challenges and its military conflict with the United States and Israel intensifies. Emirati officials have reportedly warned Iranian leaders that such steps are under consideration, though no final decision has been made. The UAE has historically maintained a delicate balance between its strategic ties with the U.S. and its regional relationships with Iran. However, recent Iranian strikes against Gulf targets have prompted a reassessment of this approach. Dubai, a key financial hub for Iran, has long served as a critical conduit for Iranian businesses and individuals seeking to circumvent Western sanctions. The city’s free zones have hosted shell companies that obscure the origins of Iranian oil and commodities, while informal currency exchanges have facilitated cross-border fund transfers beyond conventional banking oversight. These networks have enabled Iran to channel proceeds from oil exports into military programs and regional proxies, according to the Atlantic Council, a U.S.-based think tank. The United States has repeatedly urged the UAE to dismantle these financial channels, citing concerns over Iran’s ability to evade sanctions. U.S. Treasury sanctions against UAE-based entities have intensified in recent years, with officials emphasizing that enforcement within the UAE has not met the country’s stated commitments.#iran #united_arab_emirates #dubai #wall_street_journal #atlantic_council
