Iran fired two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia – one of which failed and fell short, while the other was intercepted, Reed said.
The intercepted missile disappeared after a US destroyer fired missiles at it, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the strikes, citing US officials.
After news of the attempted attack emerged, the IDF said on Saturday that it had revealed last year that Tehran had intended to develop missiles capable of reaching Europe, Asia and Africa.
It added: “We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat. Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin.”
Asked whether this was true, Reed insisted that there was “no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK or even could, if they wanted to”.
“We are perfectly capable of protecting this country and keeping this country safe, whether it’s here at home, or whether it’s our assets and nationals across the region,” he told Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
Pressed again about the IDF’s comments, he said: “There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said.”
Even if Iran were able to launch strikes at such a range, the British armed forces would be able to defend the UK, he said.
