Trump Warns UK Not To ‘Give Away’ Diego Garcia: Why The Tiny Island Is Crucial?

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 05:58 IST

Donald Trump tied Diego Garcia to potential military escalation with Iran, invoking ongoing talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump warned Britain not to “give away" Diego Garcia, a remote but strategically critical military base in the Indian Ocean, saying it could be vital if the United States launches strikes against Iran.

“Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia, by entering a tenuous, at best, 100 Year Lease," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, referring to Keir Starmer, adding, “This land should not be taken away from the UK… DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!"

Read more: Who Is Les Wexner? Billionaire Retail Tycoon Says Jeffrey Epstein ‘Duped’ Him

Trump’s remarks came after the US State Department backed Britain’s agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for 100 years. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said the deal was “crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies" and would guarantee the long-term future of the base.

Where Is Diego Garcia?

Diego Garcia is a small coral atoll located in the central Indian Ocean, roughly equidistant from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It is part of the Chagos Archipelago, a chain of islands Britain separated from Mauritius before granting Mauritian independence in 1968. Today, the islands form the British Indian Ocean Territory, one of Britain’s last remaining overseas territories.

Why Is Diego Garcia So Important?

Despite its remote location, Diego Garcia hosts one of the most important military bases jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom. The base includes a long runway capable of handling heavy bombers, naval facilities and pre-positioned military supplies. Its location allows US and British forces to launch operations across the Middle East, East Africa and Asia.

Why Is Britain Returning The Islands To Mauritius?

Under a new agreement, Britain plans to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius but lease back Diego Garcia for 100 years to maintain military operations. Britain has controlled the islands since the colonial era and retained them when Mauritius became independent.

Read more: ‘Why Is This So Complicated’: Mark Zuckerberg Denies Instagram Targets Kids At Trial

Why Does Diego Garcia Matter Now?

Trump tied Diego Garcia to potential military escalation with Iran, invoking ongoing talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme. He wrote in a Truth Social post, “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 by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime."

News world Trump Warns UK Not To ‘Give Away’ Diego Garcia: Why The Tiny Island Is Crucial?

Read More