Key Facts
• UK agreed in May 2025 to return Chagos Islands to Mauritius
• Diego Garcia island hosts US and UK military bases
• UK to lease and manage Diego Garcia base for 99 years
• Trump criticized the deal as “very foolish” last month
• On February 5, 2026, Trump said US may use military means if US forces are threatened
• Chagos Islands strategically important for naval and long-range bomber operations
• Trump emphasized US right to secure military presence if agreement collapses
Summary
The United Kingdom agreed in May 2025 to return the strategically vital Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, while retaining a 99-year lease to manage the military base on Diego Garcia island. This base serves as a key naval and long-range bomber hub for both US and UK forces. Former US President Donald Trump criticized the agreement as “very foolish” and on February 5, 2026, he warned via social media that the United States reserves the right to take military action to protect its forces and maintain its presence if the deal fails or US troops face danger. This stance signals increased pressure amid geopolitical tensions surrounding the islands’ future control.
