Trump changed mind on Chagos deal ‘after UK blocked use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes’
Donald Trump has seemingly reversed his position on the Chagos Islands deal, potentially due to the UK's reluctance to allow US airbases on its territory, including Diego Garcia, to be used for a pre-emptive strike against Iran.
The story so far
- Feb 5
- Feb 6
- Feb 17
- Feb 18
- Feb 19
How outlets cover it
4 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Trump had last month described the UK's decision as an 'act of great stupidity'.
The US would retain the right to 'militarily secure and reinforce' the US presence on Diego Garcia if threatened.
The leaders agreed their governments would continue working closely to guarantee the future operation of the base.
Trump previously described ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands as an “act of great stupidity”.
Mauritius attorney general called the islanders' move a publicity stunt.
Trump said the UK was making a “big mistake” with its proposed deal to turn over control of the Chagos Islands.
Trump argued that the military base at Diego Garcia could play a critical role in a hypothetical US attack on Iran.
Priti Patel said Trump had “once again publicly rebuked Keir Starmer and his government over their ill-judged, unnecessary and expensive Chagos surrender”.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Jan 20 – Jan 27 earlierKeir Starmer’s China trip to test Labour’s push for ‘reset’ in bilateral ties6 articles · 4 outlets
- Jan 20 – Jan 21 earlierTrump slams UK island handoff deal that could put key US military base at risk3 articles · 3 outlets
- Jan 27 – Jan 31 earlierStarmer hopes his China trip will begin the thaw after recent ice age19 articles · 5 outlets
- Feb 5 – Feb 19◆ This story
- Mar 3 – Mar 4 laterMinister dismisses Trump’s claim Starmer is ‘no Churchill’ – UK politics live4 articles · 2 outlets
- Mar 20 – Mar 23 laterIs Iran really able to strike London, and is the UK prepared for an attack?21 articles · 6 outlets
- Apr 11 – Apr 13 laterChagos Islands treaty is now ‘impossible to agree at political level’, UK minister says6 articles · 4 outlets
- Apr 15 laterUK PM Starmer says ‘not going to yield’ to Trump’s Mideast war threats4 articles · 3 outlets
- Jun 7 – Jun 9 laterUS Chagos talks confirmed amid concerns over China’s expanding naval ambitions3 articles · 2 outlets