Trump Warns Starmer: Chagos Islands Deal a ‘Sizeable Mistake’ as US-UK Tensions Rise
The diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States has hit a new point of friction as President Donald Trump launched a stinging critique of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Despite official backing from the U.S. State Department, Trump has urged the UK not to “give away Diego Garcia,” warning that the move could jeopardize strategic security and alienate a key ally.
The Chagos Islands Deal: What’s at Stake?
At the center of the dispute is a deal announced last May regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory. Under the terms of the agreement, Britain would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, to ensure the continued operation of a vital joint US-UK military base, the UK would lease back the largest island, Diego Garcia, for a period of 99 years.
This lease comes at a significant cost, with an average annual payment of £101 million. Prime Minister Starmer has defended the arrangement as a necessary step to protect the base’s long-term future, particularly in light of previous legal disputes raised by Mauritius regarding British sovereignty over the archipelago.
Donald Trump’s Volatile Stance
President Trump’s position on the transfer has been characterized by rapid reversals. He previously described the plan as an “act of great stupidity,” only to later suggest it was the “best” deal Starmer could possibly negotiate. However, by February 2026, Trump returned to a hardline opposition.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that Starmer is “losing control of this vital island” based on claims from entities he described as “fictitious in nature.” He emphasized that the land should remain with the UK, stating that allowing the transfer would be “a blight on our great ally.”
Strategic Security and the Iran Factor
The tension extends beyond territorial disputes into global military strategy. Trump specifically linked the importance of Diego Garcia to potential conflicts in the Middle East. He warned that if Iran fails to reach a peace deal with the United States, it may become necessary to employ Diego Garcia, along with RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, to “eradicate a potential attack” from the “highly unstable and dangerous regime.”
Trump suggested that maintaining absolute control over these assets is critical to preventing attacks on the United Kingdom and other friendly nations.
Official Responses: Washington vs. The White House
There is a notable disconnect between the U.S. President’s rhetoric and the official stance of the U.S. Government. On February 18, 2026, the U.S. State Department gave its official backing to the deal.
Similarly, the UK Foreign Office has remained firm. In a statement, the office asserted that the agreement is “crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies, and to keeping the British people safe,” maintaining that the deal is the only viable way to guarantee the military base’s future.
- The Deal: UK cedes Chagos Islands to Mauritius but leases Diego Garcia for 99 years at £101m/year.
- Trump’s View: Calls the deal a “big mistake” and warns against losing control of Diego Garcia.
- Strategic Risk: Trump cites the need for the base to counter potential attacks from Iran.
- Official Status: The US State Department and UK Foreign Office both support the deal despite Trump’s objections.
Looking Ahead
The friction over the Chagos Islands highlights a growing divide between the personal diplomacy of President Trump and the institutional policies of the U.S. And UK governments. With talks between the US and Mauritius scheduled, the world will be watching to notice if Trump’s pressure forces a U-turn from the Starmer administration or if the official diplomatic channels will prevail.
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