Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching London, escalating concerns about Tehran’s military capabilities across Europe and beyond.
Hegseth made the statement following Iranian missile strikes on a joint UK-US military facility in the Indian Ocean. The British government confirmed that both missiles missed their intended targets, but the incident has intensified alarm over Iran’s long-range strike potential.
What Hegseth Said
“Two days ago they shot two failed missiles on a target 4,000km away,” Hegseth said, referencing the missile test without naming the specific base. “For years, they told the world that their missiles could only range 2,000 kilometres. Surprise. Yet again, Iran lied.”
Hegseth highlighted the geographic implications of Iran’s demonstrated range. “London is 4,000km from Iran,” he stated, underscoring that major European capitals now fall within strike distance.
The Israeli military previously assessed that Iranian missiles could reach approximately 4,000 kilometers, placing multiple nations across Europe, Asia and Africa within potential range.
The Administration’s Response
President Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and warned of immediate military response to any Iranian naval activity near U.S. positions. “If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump claimed that Iran’s Navy had been largely destroyed, stating that 158 Iranian ships had been “obliterated” during recent military operations.
Regional Developments
Hegseth met with Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Monday to discuss potential U.S. military access to Indonesian airspace, signaling expanded American military positioning in the Indo-Pacific region.
The warning about Iran’s missile capabilities comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over nuclear programs and regional military activities.
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Desk contributed to this report.