Tehran: Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a key joint US-UK military facility in the Indian Ocean, in what marks a significant escalation and its first known strike attempt beyond the Middle East, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing multiple US officials, the report said neither missile struck the base. One missile reportedly failed mid-flight, while a US warship fired an SM-3 interceptor at the second. It remains unclear whether the interception was successful.

The attempted strike came hours after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised the United States to use key British-linked bases, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, to launch operations targeting Iranian-linked positions near the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid the escalation, Iran has issued fresh global threats, warning it could expand retaliatory attacks beyond traditional conflict zones. According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s top military spokesman, Abolfazl Shekarchi, said that "parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations" worldwide won’t be safe for the country’s enemies.

The warning has reignited concerns that Tehran may turn to asymmetric tactics outside the Middle East to increase pressure on its adversaries.

Iran has also intensified attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf Arab states following Israeli strikes on the massive South Pars gas field earlier this week.

In one such incident, two waves of Iranian drones struck Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery early Friday, triggering a fire. The facility, one of the largest in the region, has a processing capacity of about 730,000 barrels per day.

Meanwhile, Iran has dismissed suggestions that it has excess crude available for global markets. Responding to remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Oil Ministry spokesperson Saman Ghoddoosi said, "Currently, Iran basically has no surplus crude oil left on the water or for supply in other international markets, and the US Treasury secretary's statement is solely aimed at giving hope to buyers."

Tehran has also issued a warning to the United Arab Emirates, threatening to target Ras al-Khaimah if Iranian Gulf islands are attacked again from UAE territory.

"We warn the United Arab Emirates, in case of repeated encroachment from the source of that country to the Iranian islands ... in the Persian Gulf, the powerful Iranian armed forces will put Ras al-Khaimah ... under their crushing blows," the spokesperson said in a statement carried by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

The islands lie near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.

Earlier this month, the UAE said it had intercepted a drone, with debris falling in the Al-Hamra village area of Ras al-Khaimah.