The UK government has said there is no evidence to support claims that Iran has missiles capable of striking London, seeking to counter warnings issued by Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

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Housing Secretary Steve Reed said there was “no specific assessment” indicating Iran could target the UK, or even have the capability to do so. His remarks came after the Israel Defense Forces suggested Tehran possessed missiles with ranges of up to 4,000km, potentially placing parts of Europe within reach.

The Israeli military has warned that Iran’s developing missile technology could threaten major European capitals, including London. Israeli officials argue that such capabilities represent a growing global risk.

Conflicting Claims Over Missile Range

However, Reed rejected those claims, telling the BBC: “There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said.” He added that the UK remains capable of defending itself and protecting its interests both domestically and overseas.

The comments follow reports that Iran recently targeted a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to UK officials, two ballistic missiles were launched, with one failing mid-flight and the other intercepted by US forces.

Experts Urge Caution

Military analysts have suggested that while Iran may be able to extend missile range under certain conditions, such as reducing payload weight, long-distance strikes would likely be inaccurate and difficult to execute.

Dr Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute said that even if Iran could technically reach the UK, such an attack would face significant challenges, including heavily defended airspace and limited precision at long range.

Former NATO commander Richard Shirreff also urged caution, noting that such claims should be taken seriously but viewed in the broader context of strategic messaging during wartime.

Political Debate Over UK Role

The issue comes as the UK continues to support US operations in the region, including allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes linked to protecting shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Some opposition figures have raised concerns about the risk of escalation and have called for Parliament to vote on the UK’s involvement. The government has rejected those calls, arguing that there is no precedent for holding a vote when acting in defence of national interests.

Reed insisted the UK was not seeking to widen the conflict but said adjustments had been necessary in response to evolving threats.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026

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Our stupendous multi layer air defence shield, named for General Sir Anthony Melchet, himself a byword for planning, forethought and innovative thinking in the military field will surely cope?

The sad truth is that the UK has no air defence capacity. It was an early casualty of the "peace dividend", cashed in at the first opportunity with no subsequent investment.

Actually no, one of our 6 Air Defence destroyers is working - ah, but that is one it's way to Cyprus!

Might be able to run to a bloke from the TA on the roof of the MOD with a Bren Gun if the threat ramps up...

I think this early warning system was seized from Germany, but it could be easily be be re-installed on the white cliffs of Dover.

Even if the Israeli assessment of "up to 4,000 km" is accurate, it would still put London out of range - it's over 4,500 km away.

The UK needs to learn from Ireland.

Act more like the insignificant military power that has been the reality since about halfway through WW2.

Who can forget Bush poodle Blair's claim that

Saddam's "WMD " can be "deployed" in

45 minutes.!

19 hours ago, webfact said:

The UK government has said there is no evidence to support claims that Iran has missiles capable of striking London, seeking to counter warnings issued by Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Get today's headlines by email

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said there was “no specific assessment” indicating Iran could target the UK, or even have the capability to do so. His remarks came after the Israel Defense Forces suggested Tehran possessed missiles with ranges of up to 4,000km, potentially placing parts of Europe within reach.

The Israeli military has warned that Iran’s developing missile technology could threaten major European capitals, including London. Israeli officials argue that such capabilities represent a growing global risk.

Conflicting Claims Over Missile Range

However, Reed rejected those claims, telling the BBC: “There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said.” He added that the UK remains capable of defending itself and protecting its interests both domestically and overseas.

The comments follow reports that Iran recently targeted a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to UK officials, two ballistic missiles were launched, with one failing mid-flight and the other intercepted by US forces.

Experts Urge Caution

Military analysts have suggested that while Iran may be able to extend missile range under certain conditions, such as reducing payload weight, long-distance strikes would likely be inaccurate and difficult to execute.

Dr Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute said that even if Iran could technically reach the UK, such an attack would face significant challenges, including heavily defended airspace and limited precision at long range.

Former NATO commander Richard Shirreff also urged caution, noting that such claims should be taken seriously but viewed in the broader context of strategic messaging during wartime.

Political Debate Over UK Role

The issue comes as the UK continues to support US operations in the region, including allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes linked to protecting shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Some opposition figures have raised concerns about the risk of escalation and have called for Parliament to vote on the UK’s involvement. The government has rejected those calls, arguing that there is no precedent for holding a vote when acting in defence of national interests.

Reed insisted the UK was not seeking to widen the conflict but said adjustments had been necessary in response to evolving threats.

oin the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026

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Housing Secretary - well,that's OK then!

Sir never here trots out the housing secretary' to offer missile range assessment' who needs Mossad' or any Israeli intel' when you have bungalow Reed' 🤔

12 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The UK needs to learn from Ireland.

Act more like the insignificant military power that has been the reality since about halfway through WW2.

Careful Higgot, that seething hatred of Britain is showing again.

London will be fine. No way Iran would bomb another Muslim city. They'd take out too many mosques. That's haram.

Has Iran stated that they want to send missiles to UK or is this Israeli US scaremongering and propaganda? I know they said they consider them an enemy or similar.

28 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Careful Higgot, that seething hatred of Britain is showing again.

London will be fine. No way Iran would bomb another Muslim city. They'd take out too many mosques. That's haram.

I sense a little bit of sarcasm, in your comment, how ever it does contain some truth!

So this guy Reed, as the Housing Secretary, his job is focused on building 1.5 million new homes, local council funding, and planning reforms. He has no formal role in national security, intelligence, or foreign policy. and no military experience.

So why is he even opening his mouth on this subject that he knows NOTHING about!

What is more concerning is the the Defense Secretary, John Healey has ZERO military experience either. He never served in the armed forces, nor did he attend Sandhurst.

Before entering politics, his career was entirely in the civilian sector—working as a journalist, a disability rights campaigner, and a director for the Trades Union Congress (TUC)......what a mess!

5 minutes ago, Colki said:

Has Iran stated that they want to send missiles to UK or is this Israeli US scaremongering and propaganda? I know they said they consider them an enemy or similar.

The Israel/US propaganda has being working hard to change the calculus of the war for their European allies with the false flag Iran missile attack on Diego Garcia military base.

43 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

London will be fine. No way Iran would bomb another Muslim city. They'd take out too many mosques. That's haram.

Well, that depends on your definition of "Muslim City". I'd say it's when Muslims formed an overall majority, but I guess that you could argue it's when they form the largest single religious group.

Either way, London is not currently a 'Muslim City'. Happy to help.

Key Facts on Religion in London (2021 Census):

Christian: 40.7%

No Religion: 27.1%

Muslim: 15.0%

Hindu: 5.1%

Other/Not Stated: 12.1%

16 hours ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

Even if the Israeli assessment of "up to 4,000 km" is accurate, it would still put London out of range - it's over 4,500 km away.

Not really, as UK is just shy of their max 2500 kms range ...

... "The air distance from Iran's northwestern border to London is approximately 3,500–3,800 kilometers" ...

12 minutes ago, RayC said:

Well, that depends on your definition of "Muslim City". I'd say it's when Muslims formed an overall majority, but I guess that you could argue it's when they form the largest single religious group.

Either way, London is not currently a 'Muslim City'. Happy to help.

Key Facts on Religion in London (2021 Census):

Christian: 40.7%

No Religion: 27.1%

Muslim: 15.0%

Hindu: 5.1%

Other/Not Stated: 12.1%

Lots of immigration since 2021 Ray.

Also I'm not sure if illegals are included in the census.

And we all know exactly how many illegals we ha.... oh wait a minute...

53 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Lots of immigration since 2021 Ray.

Also I'm not sure if illegals are included in the census.

And we all know exactly how many illegals we ha.... oh wait a minute...

I don't doubt that the proportions have changed since 2022, but it is extremely unlikely that they have changed so much that Muslims are now the largest single religious group in London: If that were the case, I've absolutely no doubt that Rupert Lowe (among others) would have mentioned it.

Returning to the topic: I've no idea if Iran possess a bomb capable of reaching London but even if London was a predominantly 'Muslim City' (it isn't), I doubt that it would offer any protection. Just ask the other Gulf States

Given the shockingly run down state of Britain's defences if I was a leader of the IRGC/Govt in Iran I could be tempted to have a shot at the UK.

No need for them to use Misilles when a Third of the Country are Muslims embedded in Society as a 5th Column. 7/7 was a small example of what could be coming !

8 hours ago, Smokey and the Bandit said:

I sense a little bit of sarcasm, in your comment, how ever it does contain some truth!

Oh no. He's serious. He means it.

I don't normally engage with him/her/it 'cos I don't like to encourage hatred, bad taste and misleading or erroneous comments. But I did give him a laugh emoji this time because I could see the same humorous aspect you did ... only that he ain't jokin'.

For your delectation from RayC, who appears to have done the real work for broader enlightenment:

Key Facts on Religion in London (2021 Census):

Christian: 40.7%

No Religion: 27.1%

Muslim: 15.0%

Hindu: 5.1%

Other/Not Stated: 12.1%

It is simply not true that London was or is a 'Muslim city'.

But the comment can be seen as wry humor even if its undertone is clear.

(Edit: and if you don't believe me see his response to RayC 555)

Id love to see one land on Westminster or 10 Downing street ...

2 hours ago, liddelljohn said:

Id love to see one land on Westminster or 10 Downing street ...

WHY?

PS; Downing street is in Westminster!

The government can't win.

If it had issued a "20 minutes and we are dead" in a dossier, no doubt there would a few here saying they are lying, and there is no threat. They've said there is no threat, and immediately people jump down on that.

Of the missiles fired at Diego Garcia, neither reached the island. One fell into the sea, the other was shot down someway out. Its pure conjecture that they could have reached the island. Its the same if I lobbed a stone from Dover at France.

Let's be clear here. This a ridiculous claim by ***s. It was written by a ***, submitted to a *** editor in a publication owned by a *** and given to the government by a *** lobbyist. Growing up, we were taught the scheming *** was a conspiracy. The evidence suggests it's actually true.

1 hour ago, Roadsternut said:

Of the missiles fired at Diego Garcia, neither reached the island. One fell into the sea, the other was shot down someway out. Its pure conjecture that they could have reached the island. Its the same if I lobbed a stone from Dover at France.

You are right, there is no such thing as radar, satellites and computers. Guess its up to who you beleive.

On 3/23/2026 at 7:32 PM, Chomper Higgot said:

The UK needs to learn from Ireland.

Act more like the insignificant military power that has been the reality since about halfway through WW2.

Mind you, by agreement between the UK and Ireland the RAF will enter Irish airspace and escorts intruders when required. There is also a considerable degree of maritime co-operation in the "Western Approaches".

On 3/22/2026 at 9:24 PM, webfact said:

The UK government has said there is no evidence to support claims that Iran has missiles capable of striking London, seeking to counter warnings issued by Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Get today's headlines by email

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said there was “no specific assessment” indicating Iran could target the UK, or even have the capability to do so. His remarks came after the Israel Defense Forces suggested Tehran possessed missiles with ranges of up to 4,000km, potentially placing parts of Europe within reach.

The Israeli military has warned that Iran’s developing missile technology could threaten major European capitals, including London. Israeli officials argue that such capabilities represent a growing global risk.

Conflicting Claims Over Missile Range

However, Reed rejected those claims, telling the BBC: “There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said.” He added that the UK remains capable of defending itself and protecting its interests both domestically and overseas.

The comments follow reports that Iran recently targeted a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to UK officials, two ballistic missiles were launched, with one failing mid-flight and the other intercepted by US forces.

Experts Urge Caution

Military analysts have suggested that while Iran may be able to extend missile range under certain conditions, such as reducing payload weight, long-distance strikes would likely be inaccurate and difficult to execute.

Dr Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute said that even if Iran could technically reach the UK, such an attack would face significant challenges, including heavily defended airspace and limited precision at long range.

Former NATO commander Richard Shirreff also urged caution, noting that such claims should be taken seriously but viewed in the broader context of strategic messaging during wartime.

Political Debate Over UK Role

The issue comes as the UK continues to support US operations in the region, including allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes linked to protecting shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Some opposition figures have raised concerns about the risk of escalation and have called for Parliament to vote on the UK’s involvement. The government has rejected those calls, arguing that there is no precedent for holding a vote when acting in defence of national interests.

Reed insisted the UK was not seeking to widen the conflict but said adjustments had been necessary in response to evolving threats.

oin the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026

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Geee, use the Israeli's intel as your source of information and truth. Shalom!

High time Iran starts to develop long distance hyper sonics like the Russians have.

Then they can take the fight to the home of the aggressor (US).

London is much less important.

38 minutes ago, FlorC said:

London is much less important.

Not to Londoners or others living in the south of England!