U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that Iran’s missile capabilities may pose a growing threat not only to the Middle East but also to Europe and U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom. His remarks followed reports that Iran launched two missiles toward the joint UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia last month. Although the British government confirmed that the missiles failed to hit their targets, the incident intensified concerns about the expanding range of Iranian ballistic missile technology.
Hegseth argued that the launches demonstrated Iran possesses missiles capable of traveling approximately 4,000 kilometers, farther than Tehran had previously claimed publicly. He noted that such a range would place major cities like London within reach. He also referenced the proximity of Venezuela to Washington, D.C., suggesting concern about Iran’s relationships with allied governments abroad. According to Hegseth, these developments reinforce the Trump administration’s view that Iran represents a broader international security threat.
The remarks come amid tense diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly ordered that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remain inside the country, rejecting a key demand from President Donald Trump that the material be removed as part of a broader agreement.
Israeli officials have reportedly insisted that any long-term settlement must include the complete removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, which could potentially be used in nuclear weapons development. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also demanded that Iran stop supporting regional proxy militias and dismantle its ballistic missile infrastructure before hostilities can fully end.
Iranian officials, however, reportedly believe surrendering the uranium stockpile would weaken the country’s national security and leave it vulnerable to future military action by the United States or Israel. According to reports, Tehran’s leadership views retaining the material as an important deterrent.
The diplomatic deadlock follows months of heightened regional conflict involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah. Earlier military exchanges reportedly included attacks on Iranian targets by the U.S. and Israel, followed by retaliatory strikes against Gulf states hosting American military facilities.
Although a fragile ceasefire has been in place since April, negotiators have yet to secure a major breakthrough. Discussions remain complicated by Iran’s strategic position near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, as well as continuing U.S. naval pressure on Iranian shipping. Pakistani mediation efforts are reportedly ongoing as diplomats attempt to prevent further escalation in the region.
