US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised the United Kingdom over its plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while keeping the main military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, under a long-term lease.
“Do not give away Diego Garcia,” Trump warned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social. He called a 100-year lease “tenuous at best” and suggested it would be a “big mistake” for the UK to cede control of the island.
He argued the island is strategically important, especially in the case of a conflict with Iran, saying the US might need Diego Garcia to respond to threats.
Trump described losing control of the island as a “blight on our Great Ally,” referring to the UK. "Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia, by entering a tenuous, at best, 100-year lease," he said.
What The UK Said
The UK government says the deal is safe and necessary. According to a Guardian report, the Foreign Office called it “crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies”.
Starmer has defended the agreement, saying it ensures the long-term operation of the Diego Garcia military base. Under the deal, the UK will lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years, allowing the military base to continue functioning.
Why Diego Garcia Is Important
Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Islands, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It is a key strategic spot near the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia.
It hosts a major US-UK military base used for intelligence, surveillance, air and naval operations, and refuelling.
The island has been critical in past conflicts, including the Gulf Wars and operations in Afghanistan, and helps protect allied nations. Its location and military facilities give the UK and US a strong presence in the region, while also representing British sovereignty and the close UK-US partnership.
Losing control of Diego Garcia could weaken regional security and limit the ability to act in emergencies, which is why it remains a highly valuable strategic asset.
US Government vs Trump
Despite Trump's warnings, the US administration officially supports the UK-Mauritius deal. The US State Department, in a statement on Tuesday, said it “supports the decision of the United Kingdom to proceed with its agreement with Mauritius,” the BBC reported.
Chagos Islands History
The Chagos Islands were mostly uninhabited until the French set up coconut plantations in the 1700s using enslaved workers. They became part of the British Empire in 1814, administered from Mauritius.
In 1965, the UK separated the islands to form the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Between 1967 and 1973, the British expelled the local Chagossians so the US could build a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island.
Since then, Diego Garcia has been a key US-UK military hub. Mauritius has long claimed the islands were taken illegally.
Also Read: Trump Closer To War With Iran? Report Says US President 'Is Getting Fed Up' Amid Military Buildup
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