Trump Announces Agreement with London on the Chagos Islands

Donald Trump indicated on Thursday, following a conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that he supports the United Kingdom's return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, he warned that he would defend the American military presence in this archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

"I understand that Prime Minister Starmer has reached the best possible agreement," wrote the American president on his Truth Social platform, after having previously criticized London's decision.

He assured that he had a "very productive" discussion about this matter with the Labour leader.

"But if this lease agreement fails in the near future or if anyone threatens or jeopardizes the operations and forces of the U.S. at our base, I reserve the right to militarily protect and reinforce the American presence at Diego Garcia," he added, referring to the highly strategic U.S.-British military base located on the main island of the archipelago.

"Let it be clear: I will never allow our presence at such an important base to be compromised or threatened by false arguments or environmental nonsense," the American president further stated.

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer have committed to "continue working closely on the implementation of the agreement" regarding the Chagos, Downing Street stated.

According to the terms of an agreement signed in May 2025, the United Kingdom returns the Chagos to Mauritius but retains a 99-year lease on the main island, Diego Garcia, to maintain the U.S.-British military base.