A senior UK minister has dismissed claims that Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching London, saying government intelligence does not back that assertion.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC there is no official assessment showing Iran is targeting the UK or has the capacity to do so.
He declined to disclose operational details about a recent missile incident.
The remarks follow an Israeli military claim that Tehran has developed weapons with ranges up to about 4,000km, a distance that would put major European capitals in reach.
Israel’s statement came after Iran launched missiles at the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
British officials say Iran fired two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, roughly 3,800km from Iran.
One missile failed and fell short, while the other was intercepted, according to UK accounts.
Analysts estimate the longest-range Iranian systems are around 2,000km — well short of both Diego Garcia and London.
Reed emphasised that the UK has the capability to defend the country and its overseas assets.
The foreign secretary has also condemned what ministers described as reckless threats from Iran after the attack.
For now, UK ministers say there is no intelligence to corroborate claims that Tehran can reach European capitals.
