This heightened tension follows US President Donald Trump's threats of military action aimed at compelling Iran to enter a nuclear deal.

The situation escalated recently with the arrival of at least three B-2 bombers at Diego Garcia, further intensifying the geopolitical stakes.

A senior Iranian military official has warned that Iranian missiles would not differentiate between British and American forces if they were attacked from any base in the region.

In response to these threats, the UK government has condemned Iran's aggressive posturing, highlighting the critical role of Diego Garcia in ensuring security for both the UK and the US.

Despite the threats, Iran's government appears to be open to indirect negotiations, reflecting its precarious position amid potential existential threats.

However, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has dismissed the possibility of direct negotiations with the US, asserting that no issues can be resolved through talks with America.

Diego Garcia has been operational since the 1970s and currently houses around 4,000 US and British personnel, including a small contingent of Royal Marines responsible for security.

Iranian state media has claimed that Tehran possesses enough advanced weaponry, including missiles and drones, to strike Diego Garcia from its mainland.

The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, are British territory, and the UK is currently in negotiations to transfer the islands to Mauritius while maintaining military access.

Diego Garcia, a strategic military base in the Chagos Islands, is home to US B-2 Spirit bombers capable of striking Iranian facilities, making it a significant target for Iran.

Amid these tensions, Trump has reintroduced a 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran, while also expressing a willingness to negotiate a nuclear peace agreement.

Iran has specifically threatened to target British forces stationed at Diego Garcia if the US proceeds with military action against Iran.