UK Holds Off on Chagos Island Deal After US Pushback

The United Kingdom has paused its plan to hand over the Chagos Islands—a move that drew sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The islands host the strategic U.S.–British military base on Diego Garcia, and Britain had intended to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while keeping a 99‑year lease for the base.

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his team will seek Washington’s formal approval before proceeding.
• The planned legislation to cede the islands will not appear on Parliament’s next agenda, signaling a temporary halt.

Trump called the proposal a “big mistake” in February and labeled it a misstep, also questioning Starmer’s leadership. His remarks strained the close ties between London and Washington.

Under the original agreement, Britain would retain control of the base’s operations through a long‑term lease. A government spokesperson emphasized that protecting the base’s security remains a top priority and that the UK will continue dialogue with both the U.S. and Mauritius.

The pause follows recent tensions over Britain’s stance on the U.S.–Israeli conflict in Iran and its decision not to allow Trump‑directed attacks from British bases. While U.S. forces are now permitted to conduct defensive strikes, the partnership’s future is uncertain.

The British government maintains that any final decision will depend on U.S. support, reflecting the delicate balance between national sovereignty and international alliance obligations.