It follows Israel's warning Tehran has developed long-range missiles capable of reaching major European cities - after targeting the US-UK base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean

A senior Cabinet minister has insisted there is no assessment Iran is targeting the UK.

It follows Israel's warning Tehran has developed long-range missiles capable of reaching major European cities - after the regime targeted the US-UK base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean around 3,800km away.

Posting on X, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said: "The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km.

"During Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, the IDF revealed that the Iranian regime has intentions to develop missiles with a range of 4,000 km, which pose a danger to dozens of countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Iranian regime denied this. We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat. Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin. "

But the Cabinet minister Steve Reed told the BBC: "There is no specific assessment the Iranians are targeting the UK - or even could if they wanted to.

"We have the finest military in the world, we are perfectly capable of protecting this country and keeping this country - whether it's here at home or whether it's our assets and nationals across the region. Whatever people say, we will not be dragged into this war."

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Pressed on Israel's warning that Iran's missiles could reach European capitals, he went on: "Not aware of any assessments at all that they are even trying to target Europe - let alone that they could if they tried. But even if they did we have the necessary military capability to defend this country."

Mr Reed also said there is no need to ration fuel despite the ongoing Middle East war. The Housing Secretary insisted the Government does have a contingency plan.

He told Sky News: "There's no need to ration fuel. People should go around and buy their fuel just like they always would. If the situation were to change, then the Government would look at what was required in that circumstance.

"We did intervene when it came to heating oil, because we saw the prices escalating and people were seeing their bills doubling and tripling overnight. We can't have that, so we stepped in to support people."