Iran Reportedly Weighs Preemptive Strike on Key U.S. Base in Indian Ocean

Iranian military leaders are reportedly considering a preemptive strike on Diego Garcia, a strategic U.S. military outpost in the Indian Ocean, amid escalating tensions with Washington.

According to a senior Iranian official who spoke anonymously to The Telegraph on March 31, high-ranking commanders have discussed launching a missile strike on the island if President Donald Trump's recent threats toward Tehran become more serious.

“There have been increasing discussions about Diego Garcia since the U.S. deployed stealth bombers there. Senior commanders are being encouraged to act first if the U.S. shows signs of following through with its threats,” the official said.

While some in Tehran are reportedly pushing for a missile launch toward the island without directly targeting military assets—intending instead for the missiles to fall into the sea—the move would be intended as a symbolic show of strength. “It would send a clear message that we’re prepared to escalate,” the source added.

Another pro-government source told The Telegraph that Iran’s military has likely considered striking Diego Garcia since the 1990s. “It would be naïve to think they haven’t drawn up scenarios for this,” the source said.

Neither the Iranian nor U.S. governments have publicly commented on the report.

The remarks come days after U.S. Air Force officials confirmed the arrival of several B-2 Spirit stealth bombers at the Diego Garcia base, though the number of bombers and mission details remain classified. Satellite imagery from last week showed five to six B-2s parked on the tarmac, with others possibly housed in climate-controlled hangars designed specifically for the aircraft.

The B-2s’ presence at Diego Garcia is unusual and notable, as the aircraft rarely deploy to the island for extended stays. Their last known appearance was in August 2024, when a B-2 refueled on the island before taking off again without shutting down its engines.

Military analysts suggest the deployment may be part of a rotation schedule or linked to ongoing U.S. air operations targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. The U.S. conducted B-2 bombing runs against Houthi positions in October 2024, but without staging the aircraft at Diego Garcia.

Diego Garcia, a remote atoll more than 60 km long, has long been a critical hub for U.S. military power projection. Aircraft and naval vessels based there have supported major operations in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Libya. Its geographic position allows the U.S. to launch missions across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

The base has become even more vital since the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan and shuttered its airbase at Bagram. Diego Garcia is one of the few overseas installations capable of hosting the B-2. It features four “clam-shell” shelters fitted with climate-control systems specifically for the stealth bombers. The facility is also capable of supporting B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

Roughly 4,000 military personnel and contractors—mostly American—are stationed at the base.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have sharply escalated since President Trump returned to office in January. Last month, the Trump administration reinstated its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, targeting the country’s oil exports and pushing for a new nuclear deal.

On March 30, Trump warned of “unprecedented bombing” if Iran refused to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded by vowing a “forceful retaliation” against any U.S. attack.

(Sources: The Telegraph, AFP)

Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.

Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?

We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from

Los Angeles Airport - LAX

Long Beach Airport - LGB

John Wayne Airport - SNA

San Pedro cruise port

Long Beach cruise port

Disneyland

and other destinations.

Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!