‘Don’t Give Away Diego Garcia’: Trump Warns UK’s Starmer Over Indian Ocean Base Amid Iran Tensions

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 02:50 IST

Trump said the Indian Ocean base would be crucial if Washington moves ahead with military action on Iran, even as the US backed the UK’s Chagos deal.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Britain against “giving away" the strategic Diego Garcia military base, saying the facility would be crucial if Washington moves ahead with possible strikes on Iran.

Trump’s remarks came just hours after the US State Department reiterated support for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the joint US-UK base for 100 years.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Starmer to retain control of the base, calling the long-term lease arrangement “tenuous."

“Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia, by entering a tenuous, at best, 100 Year Lease," Trump said.

He added that handing over the territory would be a setback for a key US ally.

“This land should not be taken away from the U.K. and, if it is allowed to be, it will be a blight on our Great Ally… DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!"

Iran Tensions

Trump linked the base directly to US military planning, saying it could be used if negotiations with Iran fail. His envoys held talks with Tehran this week, pressing for concessions, including on its nuclear programme.

“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia… in order to eradicate a potential attack," Trump wrote, also referencing the US air base at Fairford in England.

He said he was concerned about the possibility of attacks targeting the United Kingdom and other allied countries.

Policy Signals At Odds

Trump’s comments contrasted with the State Department’s position backing the UK-Mauritius agreement. Washington said it supports London’s decision to move ahead with the deal and will hold further talks with Mauritius on maintaining operations at the base.

When asked about the differing messages, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s social media post should be considered official policy.

Deal Under Scrutiny

Britain has controlled the Chagos Islands since Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s, forcibly removing thousands of residents who have since sought compensation through legal challenges.

The proposed agreement would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing Britain — and by extension the United States — to continue operating the base under a long-term lease.

Trump has repeatedly shifted his position on the arrangement. After US officials initially described the deal as “historic," he later criticised it sharply before appearing to accept it following talks with Starmer.

News world ‘Don’t Give Away Diego Garcia’: Trump Warns UK’s Starmer Over Indian Ocean Base Amid Iran Tensions

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