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Diego Garcia · Iran · Military Base · Trump
Tensions are escalating between the U.S. and the U.K. over the future of the Diego Garcia military base, with President Trump publicly criticizing a deal for the U.K. to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining a lease on Diego Garcia.
Trump views this as a "big mistake" and a potential security risk, especially in the context of potential U.S. military action against Iran. The U.S. State Department has backed the U.K.-Mauritius agreement, but Trump has labeled it "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY." Reports indicate the U.K. has denied the U.S. permission to use Diego Garcia and the Fairford base in England for strikes on Iran.
This issue is scheduled for discussion between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Meanwhile, Iran has protested at the UN, calling Trump's threats regarding Diego Garcia a violation of international law.