US President Donald Trump criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to lease the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean, home to the US-UK Diego Garcia air base. The agreement, set for 2025, will see Britain handing over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged against relinquishing Diego Garcia, emphasizing its significance in potential military operations, particularly in defending against threats from Iran. He expressed concerns over the long-term implications of entering into a century-long lease agreement for the base.
In response to Trump’s comments, a spokesperson from the British foreign office defended the deal, stating its critical importance for the security of the UK and its allies. The spokesperson emphasized that the agreement was necessary to ensure the continued operation of the military base in the future.
Trump’s remarks add to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the US and the UK regarding the lease agreement.
