Trump Tells UK PM Starmer: Do Not Give Away Diego Garcia Base

Former US President Donald Trump is now telling UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to give away the Diego Garcia base. This is a change from his earlier support for the Chagos Islands deal.
By Newsroom | International Relations, UK Politics |

Donald Trump has recently voiced strong opposition to the United Kingdom's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This renewed criticism follows reports suggesting that the UK blocked the potential use of the Diego Garcia military base for strikes against Iran. Trump's fluctuating public statements on the Chagos deal, particularly regarding the lease of the Diego Garcia base, have created uncertainty surrounding the future of this arrangement.

Trump changed mind on Chagos deal ‘after UK blocked use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes’ - 1

The Chagos Islands, officially the British Indian Ocean Territory, are a strategic group of islands in the Indian Ocean. Under the proposed deal, the UK would cede sovereignty to Mauritius but retain control of the joint UK-US military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia, through a 99-year lease. This arrangement has been the subject of considerable debate and changing positions, notably from the former US President.

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Trump changed mind on Chagos deal ‘after UK blocked use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes’ - 2

Background of the Chagos Islands Agreement

The UK agreed in May 2025 to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, an archipelago that Mauritius has long disputed the UK's ownership of. A key element of this agreement is the UK's intention to lease back the strategic US-UK military base located on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain. This lease is reportedly set for an initial 99-year period and is valued at approximately £101 million ($135.7 million) per year.

Trump changed mind on Chagos deal ‘after UK blocked use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes’ - 3

Shifting US Presidential Stances

Donald Trump's position on the Chagos Islands deal has been notably inconsistent.

Trump changed mind on Chagos deal ‘after UK blocked use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes’ - 4

  • Past Support: On multiple occasions, including a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, Trump publicly endorsed the agreement. A statement from the US indicated support for the "monumental achievement" and the "historic agreement."

  • Recent Opposition: More recently, Trump has used his social media platform, Truth Social, to urge the UK not to "give away" Diego Garcia. He has directly advised Prime Minister Starmer against losing control of the island.

  • US State Department Confirmation: As recently as Tuesday (before Trump's latest comments), the US Department of State reiterated its support for the UK's decision to proceed with the agreement with Mauritius.

Allegations of UK Blocking Iran Strikes

Recent reports suggest a potential link between Trump's change of heart and a disagreement over the use of military facilities.

  • It has been alleged that the UK blocked the US from using RAF bases for potential military action against Iran.

  • Trump has reportedly stated that he informed Prime Minister Starmer that the UK should not lose control of Diego Garcia.

  • Trump also linked the importance of the Diego Garcia base to potential military action against Iran, should current nuclear talks fail.

Political Reactions and Protests

The Chagos deal has generated varied responses from political parties and concerned groups.

  • UK Political Opposition: Conservative and Reform UK parties have voiced opposition to the deal. The Liberal Democrats have called for a fresh vote in Parliament on the issue.

  • Islander Protests: Four individuals identified as Chagos islanders, who are reportedly opposing the handover, recently landed on a remote atoll within the Chagos Islands as part of a protest against the deal.

  • US-Mauritius Talks: Scheduled talks between the US and Mauritius regarding the Chagos deal are expected to take place next week.

Evidence of Trump's Communications

Trump's recent pronouncements have been made via his Truth Social platform:

  • "DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!" was posted on Wednesday.

  • Trump stated he had been telling Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he should "not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia."

Expert Analysis

  • Dame Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary, has called for the deal to be scrapped.

  • Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader, has characterized Trump's fluctuating stance as evidence that Starmer's approach to the issue is "doomed to fail."

Conclusion

Donald Trump's public statements on the Chagos Islands deal have undergone significant shifts. His recent strong opposition, particularly directed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, appears to be correlated with allegations that the UK has restricted the use of its military bases for potential US operations against Iran. The strategic importance of the Diego Garcia base, highlighted by Trump in the context of Iran, remains a central point of contention. Upcoming talks between the US and Mauritius will be a critical juncture in understanding the implications of these developments.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Donald Trump telling the UK not to give away the Diego Garcia base?
Donald Trump recently posted on social media telling UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to give away control of the Diego Garcia base. This is a change from his earlier public support for the deal.
Q: What is the Chagos Islands deal?
The UK agreed in May 2025 to give sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, the UK plans to lease back the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years.
Q: What is the connection between the Chagos Islands deal and potential strikes against Iran?
Reports suggest the UK may have blocked the US from using its bases for potential strikes against Iran. Trump has linked his advice on Diego Garcia to this issue and the importance of the base for future military actions.
Q: What was Trump's previous position on the Chagos Islands deal?
Previously, Donald Trump had publicly supported the agreement between the UK and Mauritius. He called it a 'monumental achievement' in a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Q: What are the next steps for the Chagos Islands deal?
Talks between the US and Mauritius about the Chagos deal are planned for next week. Political parties in the UK have also voiced differing opinions on the agreement.