Story perspectives

Trump Slams UK’s Chagos Islands Deal, Urges Reevaluation

2/18/2026

Center

Trump Critiques Starmer

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the Chagos Islands deal, saying it jeopardizes the US-UK Diego Garcia base.
Trump warned that a 100-year lease with Mauritius would be a big mistake and called the reasons fictitious.
Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for possible military actions against Iran.
UK government is moving forward with the agreement, while opposition parties demand reevaluation.

Right

Mandarin Challenges Sovereignty

Misley Mandarin, the Chagossian First Minister, established a permanent settlement on Peros Banhos to challenge Sir Keir Starmer's sovereignty transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Mandarin condemned the deal as illegal and a betrayal of British territory.
Mandarin emphasized the forced exile and injustices faced by Chagossians.
Former MP Adam Holloway supported Mandarin.
Both men condemned the UK government's actions as a crime against humanity.

History

Historical Context

The UK forcibly expelled approximately 2,000 Chagossians from the Chagos Islands between 1967 and 1973 to establish a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the UK must end its administration of the islands. Following negotiations, a sovereignty agreement was reached in October 2024, allowing Mauritius to reclaim the islands while leasing Diego Garcia back to the UK for 99 years.

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Trump Critiques Starmer

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the Chagos Islands deal, saying it jeopardizes the US-UK Diego Garcia base.
Trump warned that a 100-year lease with Mauritius would be a big mistake and called the reasons fictitious.
Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for possible military actions against Iran.
UK government is moving forward with the agreement, while opposition parties demand reevaluation.

1 / 3