Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him not to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Trump argued that relinquishing control of the islands, and specifically the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base, could leave the United Kingdom vulnerable to potential attacks from Iran.
The intervention from the former president comes as the U.K. Prepares to finalize a deal agreed to in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining access to the Diego Garcia base under a long-term lease. Trump’s public statement, delivered via his Truth Social platform on Wednesday , directly challenges the U.K.’s plans and raises questions about the alignment of U.S. And British strategic interests.
“Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia and the airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime—an attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries,” Trump claimed. He accused Starmer of making a “big mistake” and insisted the U.K. “should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia.”
Diego Garcia, a key component of the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean, hosts a significant joint U.S.-U.K. Military base. The islands were initially ceded to the U.K. Along with Mauritius in 1814, but were separated from Mauritius in 1965, when Mauritius was still a British colony, and subsequently purchased by the U.K. For approximately £3 million ($4 million). Since Mauritius gained independence in 1968, its government has maintained that the separation was illegal, a claim that has fueled decades of diplomatic tension.
The current agreement between the U.K. And Mauritius involves transferring sovereignty while leasing back the Diego Garcia base for an initial period of 99 years at a cost of £101 million ($135.7 million) annually. The U.K. Government defends the arrangement as essential for maintaining the long-term security of the base and protecting British interests.
A spokesperson for the U.K. Foreign Office stated, “The deal to secure the joint U.K.-U.S. Military base on Diego Garcia is crucial to the security of the U.K. And our key allies, and to keeping the British people safe. The agreement we have reached is the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base.”
Despite Trump’s warning, U.K. Lawmaker Alex Davies-Jones affirmed on Thursday , that the U.K. Will proceed with the bill, emphasizing the priority of national security. “We will continue to work with our allies, including the Americans, on this but first and foremost the priority must be national security and that is what this government is determined to deliver,” she told Times Radio.
Trump’s intervention is complicated by a seemingly shifting U.S. Position on the matter. While the U.S. State Department issued a statement on , expressing support for the U.K.’s agreement with Mauritius, Trump has previously voiced strong opposition to the deal. In January, he labeled it “an act of great stupidity,” before appearing to soften his stance earlier this month, stating he understood it was “the best he could make.”
The timing of Trump’s renewed criticism coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program. American and Iranian officials held talks in Geneva earlier this week, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated they remained “very far apart on some issues.” The U.S. Has also been escalating its military buildup in the region, raising concerns about potential military action.
Trump warned that if a diplomatic resolution with Iran fails, the U.S. May need to utilize Diego Garcia to counter potential attacks. “DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!” he posted on his social media platform, underscoring the perceived strategic importance of the base.
The former president also suggested the deal was prompted by “Wokeism,” a claim that reflects his broader critique of what he views as politically motivated decisions.
The U.S. Is scheduled to hold bilateral security discussions with Mauritius next week, according to a statement from the State Department, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. These talks will likely focus on ensuring continued access to the Diego Garcia base and addressing any concerns related to regional security.
Trump’s latest comments highlight the potential for transatlantic friction over the Chagos Islands and underscore the strategic significance of Diego Garcia in a volatile geopolitical landscape. The situation remains fluid, with the U.K. Government determined to proceed with its agreement with Mauritius despite the objections from the former U.S. President.
