Full Breakdown
U.S. Mulls Purchase of Chagos Islands Amid UK Stalemate
6/8/2026, 1:22:40 AM
U.S. Purchase Proposal
According to a June 7 2026 Reuters report, the White House is drafting a proposal to buy the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, bypassing the United Kingdom and giving U.S. control of the U.S.–U.K. Diego Garcia air base. Neither the White House nor the U.K. Foreign Office has commented.
Background
The British Indian Ocean Territory, home to Diego Garcia, was slated for transfer to Mauritius under a law the United Kingdom halted in April 2026. President Donald Trump called the cession a “big mistake” in February 2026 and urged Britain to retain the territory. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent briefed the president on the purchase idea. Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to pursue the hand-over, which would require Mauritius to become sovereign before any sale. The proposal arises amid a U.S.–Israel-Iran conflict that began in late February 2026, during which Iran has struck Diego Garcia.
Strategic Importance
Diego Garcia lies about 2,360 miles (3,800 km) from Iran and hosts an airfield capable of supporting U.S. long-range missiles. The base’s location in the Indian Ocean has been described as “vital and indispensable” to U.S. national security.
Official Response
A senior U.S. official told Reuters that the administration sees Diego Garcia as a critical security platform and that talks with Britain aim to preserve its operational viability. The official also noted President Trump’s consistent opposition to ceding the territory to Mauritius.
Opposition
Trump officials warn that selling the islands to Mauritius, viewed as a Chinese ally, could create espionage risks. The Chagos Refugees Group, led by Louis Olivier Bancoult, urged the United Kingdom to reach a solution, stressing displaced islanders’ right to return to their birthplace.
Conflicts
Both the White House and the U.K. Foreign Office declined to comment, leaving the feasibility of a direct purchase unclear. While the United States withdrew support for the cession in April, the terms of any sale to Mauritius have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “President Trump has been consistent in his position that the United Kingdom should not give away the British Indian Ocean Territory, which includes our joint U.S.-UK military facility ?on the Diego Garcia atoll,” — Senior U.S. official, Reuters.
- “Trump said in February the deal was a "big mistake".” — President Donald Trump, February 2026.
- “We’re still suffering and our position is clear, we have the right to live in our birthplace.” — Louis Olivier Bancoult, Chagos Refugees Group leader.
- “putting British lives at risk by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran” — Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister (social media).
Outlook
U.S. officials are expected to refine the purchase proposal while monitoring developments in the Indo-Pacific security environment and the Iran conflict. Any final decision will depend on negotiations with Mauritius and the United Kingdom.
