Trump Issues Warning Over Diego Garcia Base Amid Iran Tensions
Former US President Donald Trump has publicly urged the United Kingdom to retain control of the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean, warning that transferring sovereignty could undermine security interests. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump argued that the base, a joint US-UK facility, might be "crucial" if the United States launches military action against Iran, as his administration reportedly weighs potential strikes on Iran's clerical leadership.
Background on the Sovereignty Agreement
Trump's remarks come in response to renewed backing from the US State Department for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. Under the proposed arrangement, Britain would lease the base for 100 years, but Trump described this as a "tenuous" lease and insisted the territory should remain under British control. He claimed that relinquishing it would "damage" Britain, a key US ally, and stressed that the UK must "stay strong" against internal and external pressures.
Strategic Importance and Ongoing Negotiations
Trump's post coincided with fresh negotiations between his envoys and Iran, where the US is pressing Tehran for significant concessions, particularly regarding its nuclear program. He suggested that if talks fail, Washington might require access to both Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford—a US air base in England—to counter potential threats from the Islamic Republic. Additionally, Trump voiced concerns about possible attacks targeting the United Kingdom and other allied nations, highlighting the base's role in regional security.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
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 these claims as unfounded, while 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.
Contradictions in US Policy and Trump's Shifting Stance
When asked about the apparent contradiction between Trump's post and official US policy, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump's statement should be regarded as the administration's position. This 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," but Trump later criticized 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, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic complexities.
