Trump Warns UK Over Chagos Deal as Diego Garcia Tensions Escalate
A dramatic diplomatic rift is unfolding over a remote chain of islands in the Indian Ocean and it now involves Washington, London and Port Louis.
At the center of this storm are the Chagos Islands, a British territory that the UK government has agreed to hand over to Mauritius. Under the deal, Britain would transfer sovereignty but keep leasing Diego Garcia, the largest island, for nearly a century to maintain the crucial joint UK–US military base there. That base has long been a strategic launch point for operations in the Middle East and Asia and it plays a major role in Western security planning.
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But now, former US President Donald Trump has publicly urged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to halt the agreement. In a sharp reversal from earlier signals of support, Trump warned that giving up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands would be a “big mistake.” He specifically emphasized the importance of Diego Garcia, suggesting it could be vital in any future confrontation involving Iran. His message was clear: do not give it away.
This sudden shift has sent shockwaves through British politics. The UK government insists the agreement is the only way to secure the long-term future of the military base and officials argue that leasing the island guarantees continued operations. But critics at home say Britain risks weakening its strategic leverage at a dangerous time.
Some former senior military figures have gone even further, warning that the country faces what they describe as a “1936 moment” — a reference to the uneasy years before World War Two, when rising threats were underestimated. They are calling for a dramatic increase in defense spending, arguing that global tensions with Russia, instability in the Middle East and uncertainty in US policy demand stronger preparation.
And there is another layer to this story. The Chagos Islands have long been the subject of legal and moral debate. Thousands of Chagossians were removed decades ago to make way for the base. Many want the right to return. Some oppose the deal with Mauritius, while others see it as a step toward resolving historical injustice. The United Nations has also weighed in, urging caution over how the agreement is finalized.
So this is no longer just a territorial transfer. It is about military strategy, global alliances and Britain’s place in an increasingly unstable world.
Will London stand firm, or will pressure from Washington force a rethink? And what does this mean for Western unity at a time of rising global risk?
Stay with us for continuing coverage and in-depth analysis as this critical international story develops.
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