The nature of this incident is extremely serious.

Iran launched two medium-range ballistic missiles (with a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers) toward the U.S./British military base on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean.

Neither missile hit its target: one malfunctioned, and the other was most likely intercepted by the U.S. SM-3 anti-missile system.

Why is this so significant?

• Iran had previously publicly claimed that its missile range was capped at about 2,000 kilometers, but this operation indicates that its actual range may be twice the declared value.

• This is also the first recorded attempt by Iran to strike a target at such a long distance.

• The conflict is no longer limited to the Middle East and has spread outward.

Diego Garcia Island is a key hub for U.S. strategic bombers, submarines, logistics, and long-range operations.

Although the attack failed, it clearly demonstrates that Iran has both the intention and the capability to strike distant U.S. and British military assets.

Comment: Trump claimed that Iran's military power had been completely destroyed and ruined, but Iran immediately used a 4,000-kilometer-range missile to directly strike the Diego Garcia base, an action that directly exposes his political lies.

This Iranian launch of a long-range missile targeting the U.S. base at Diego Garcia, although unsuccessful, has completely broken the geographical boundaries of the Middle Eastern conflict. The huge discrepancy between Iran's publicly stated range and its actual capabilities shows that it has long hidden its strategic deterrent power, no longer limited to regional retaliation, but now capable of directly threatening the core overseas military hubs of the United States. This is a key breakthrough in the geopolitical landscape.

Even if the attack failed, this operation sent a strong signal: Iran has the determination and is gradually acquiring the technical capability to bring the war to America's remote strategic outposts. Once-secure rear bases are no longer safe, and the U.S. long-range deployment system in the Indian Ocean faces a direct threat. Subsequent confrontations will only become more intense.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860269570167817/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.