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Trump Withdraws Support for Chagos Deal Amid Iran Tensions

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Donald Trump reversed his support for the Chagos Islands deal, citing the UK's refusal to permit US airbases for a potential pre-emptive strike on Iran.
Initially, Trump praised the deal but later criticized it, linking it to military actions against Iran.
UK government sources indicate this shift influenced his stance.
The Chagos agreement faces delays in Parliament, with concerns it may not pass before the session ends in May.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel stated the deal is "now dead in the water" without US support.

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Story summary

Donald Trump reversed his support for the Chagos Islands deal, citing the UK's refusal to permit US airbases for a potential pre-emptive strike on Iran.
Initially, Trump praised the deal but later criticized it, linking it to military actions against Iran.
UK government sources indicate this shift influenced his stance.
The Chagos agreement faces delays in Parliament, with concerns it may not pass before the session ends in May.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel stated the deal is "now dead in the water" without US support.