US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the UK should not “give away” the strategically vital Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, a joint US-UK facility, arguing it could be “crucial” if the United States launches military action against Iran. His remarks came as he reportedly weighs potential strikes on Iran’s clerical leadership.
The warning followed renewed backing from the US State Department for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Under the proposed arrangement, Britain would lease the base, which shares its name with the Diego Garcia island, the largest in the archipelago, for 100 years.
Posting on his Truth Social, Trump urged Starmer not to proceed with what the Republican described as a “tenuous” century-long lease, insisting the territory should remain under British control. He argued that relinquishing it would “damage” Britain, a key US ally, and stressed that it must “stay strong” in the face of “internal and external pressures.”
Trump’s post came as his envoys held fresh negotiations with Iran, pressing Tehran to make significant concessions, particularly regarding its nuclear program.
He suggested that if talks fail, Washington might need access to both Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford — a US air base in England — to counter what he called potential threats from the Islamic Republic. He also voiced concern about possible attacks targeting the United Kingdom and other allied nations.
Britain retained control of the Chagos Islands after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s, forcibly removing thousands of residents who have since pursued compensation through legal challenges.
Trump dismissed those claims as unfounded.
On Tuesday, the State Department announced upcoming talks with Mauritius focused on maintaining the military base and reiterated America’s support for Britain’s decision to proceed with the agreement.
When asked about the apparent contradiction between Trump’s post and official US policy, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s statement should be regarded as the administration’s position.
The episode reflects another shift in Trump’s stance. After the deal was first reached by Starmer’s Labour government, secretary of state Marco Rubio called it “historic.” Trump later criticised it as an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” linking it to his argument that the United States should take control of Greenland from Denmark. He subsequently said he accepted the agreement following discussions with Starmer, a position he now appears to have reversed.
