Iranian military commanders have been ordered to develop a plan for a pre-emptive strike on the joint US-UK air base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, The Telegraph reported, citing sources. The decision comes amid growing threats from US President Donald Trump, whose administration is ramping up pressure on Tehran after returning to power in 2025. According to the newspaper, Iran sees the move as a potential response if US rhetoric translates into concrete actions that threaten the country's security.

The Diego Garcia airbase, located on the atoll of the same name in the Chagos archipelago, serves as a key strategic facility for the United States and Great Britain. It is used to deploy bombers, conduct operations in the Middle East region and control important sea routes. According to sources, the Iranian leadership sees it as a vulnerable target that could be attacked in the event of an escalation of the conflict. Preparations for the strike are still at the planning stage, and the final decision will depend on Washington's further steps, The Telegraph notes.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated following a series of statements by Trump promising tough measures against Tehran, including possible military action, if the country continues to develop its nuclear program. Iran, for its part, has repeatedly emphasized that its nuclear developments are peaceful in nature, but reserves the right to self-defense. The order to commanders to prepare for an attack on Diego Garcia was part of this strategy, demonstrating Tehran’s readiness for an asymmetric response to American pressure.

The context for Iran’s preparations for a possible attack is linked to a wider geopolitical situation. In recent months, the US has been increasing its military presence in the Persian Gulf, deploying additional ships and aircraft to deter Iran. The Diego Garcia base, remote from the mainland but strategically important, has already figured in military scenarios in the region, including operations against Iraq and Afghanistan. According to British analysts, Iran could use ballistic missiles or drones to carry out an attack, which would require the US and UK to strengthen the facility’s defences.