War Secretary Hegseth Warns Iran Has Missiles That Can Strike London

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s missile capabilities pose a direct threat to London and other global cities, citing recent Iranian missile launches that exceeded previously claimed ranges.

Hegseth’s warning comes after Iran fired two missiles at a UK-US military installation last month, both of which missed their targets. The incident prompted fresh assessments of Iran’s ballistic missile reach across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

What Hegseth Said

“Two days ago they shot two failed missiles on a target 4,000km away. For years, they told the world that their missiles could only range 2,000 kilometres. Surprise. Yet again, Iran lie,” Hegseth stated.

He emphasized the geographic implications: “London is 4,000km from Iran. Washington DC is 3,300km from Venezuela.” Hegseth argued that Iran’s demonstrated capability undermines claims that Tehran does not threaten the United States or its allies.

The Nuclear Standoff

This week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei rejected a key Trump administration demand by ordering that the country’s enriched uranium stockpile remain inside Iran rather than be removed. The directive signals a hardening stance in ongoing diplomatic talks.

Israeli officials told Reuters that President Trump previously promised Israel that Iran’s highly enriched uranium would be entirely removed from the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will not consider ending hostilities unless uranium is removed, proxy funding stops, and ballistic missile infrastructure is dismantled.

According to Iranian sources speaking on condition of anonymity, the Supreme Leader and Iran’s highest officials believe transferring uranium overseas would weaken domestic security and invite future military attacks from Washington and Tel Aviv.

The Diplomatic Crisis

Negotiations between Tehran and Washington have stalled despite a ceasefire in place since April 8. The truce followed military strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28, with Iran responding through regional militias and Hezbollah operations in Lebanon.

Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, while the United States maintains a naval blockade on Iranian shipping. Pakistan is currently mediating discussions between the two sides.

This story has been updated. CNN’s international desk contributed to this report.