US President Donald Trump has publicly urged the United Kingdom to reconsider its plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, warning that the proposed long-term lease arrangement covering the strategically critical Diego Garcia military base could weaken Western security interests.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had advised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer against proceeding with the agreement, arguing that leasing territory rather than retaining direct sovereignty creates long-term strategic risks. He described the proposed 100-year lease as “tenuous” and warned that such arrangements leave room for future political uncertainty.
Under a 2025 agreement, Britain is set to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining operational control of the joint US-UK military installation on Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease. The base, located in the central Indian Ocean, is one of Washington’s most important overseas military facilities and has historically supported operations across the Middle East, South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Trump argued that transferring sovereignty could reduce Britain’s effective control over a key strategic asset. He linked the issue to broader geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, suggesting the base could be crucial if military action were ever required in the region. According to him, any dilution of British authority over Diego Garcia could create vulnerabilities not only for the UK but also for allied nations relying on the facility for regional security operations.
His remarks contrast with the position of the US State Department, which has indicated Washington supports the UK’s decision to proceed with the sovereignty transfer while preserving military access through the lease arrangement. Despite his criticism of the deal, Trump stressed that the US-UK alliance remains strong and reaffirmed America’s commitment to defending Britain if required.
The disagreement highlights broader debates over sovereignty versus long-term leasing arrangements for strategic military sites, especially as competition among major powers intensifies across the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
