1 hour ago
Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 01:34 IST
Trump reverses earlier stance after call with British PM Keir Starmer.
US President Donald Trump (L) speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) following their meeting at Chequers, in Aylesbury, central England. (IMAGE: AFP FILE)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he now supports Britain’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, reversing his earlier opposition to the agreement.
However, Trump issued a sharp warning that the United States would act decisively if the arrangement ever threatens American military interests on the island, which hosts a key US-UK military base.
In a post on Truth Social after speaking with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said he retained the right to “secure and reinforce" the US presence on Diego Garcia if the deal collapses.
“However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia," Trump said.
Under the agreement reached in May last year, Britain will return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining the strategically important Diego Garcia base on a 99-year lease. The base is jointly operated by US and British forces.
Trump had initially endorsed the deal but reversed his position last month, calling it a threat to American national security.
“The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired," Trump had said on January 20.
On Thursday, however, Trump struck a more conciliatory note, saying Starmer had made “the best deal he could make" on the long-disputed islands.
The Chagos archipelago has been at the centre of a decades-long diplomatic battle, with Mauritius arguing that Britain illegally separated the islands from its territory during the colonial era.
Following their conversation, Starmer’s office said the two leaders agreed to work “closely" on implementing the agreement.
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
A newsletter with the best of our journalism
Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:
February 06, 2026, 01:34 IST
News world ‘If The Deal Falls Apart...’: Trump Backs UK Handover Of Diego Garcia To Mauritius With A Warning
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
