Trump tempers criticism of UK’s Chagos Islands deal after talk with Starmer

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Zaid Sabah,News AgenciesFebruary 5, 2026 at 10:40 PM

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In February 2026, US President Donald Trump seemingly endorsed the UK's decision, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite previously criticizing it. The agreement, reached in May of the previous year, grants Mauritius sovereignty over the archipelago in exchange for a 99-year guarantee that the US military base on Diego Garcia can continue operating. Trump stated that he had productive talks with Starmer and that the US would retain the right to militarily secure its presence on Diego Garcia if necessary. The UK government confirmed ongoing cooperation to ensure the base's future operation. The Chagos Islands were home to the Chagossians, who were displaced in the 1960s and 1970s.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

AFP 30% Seychelles 30% Truth Social 40% Mauritius ×480% Keir Starmer ×380% United States ×380% Diego Garcia ×385% United Kingdom ×490% Donald Trump ×290% Chagos Islands ×595%

Keywords

chagos islands 100% sovereignty 80% mauritius 70% diego garcia 70% us-uk military base 60% keir starmer 50% donald trump 50% international relations 50% chagossians 40%