The British government announced Saturday it has temporarily suspended an agreement to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following opposition from the Trump administration.
The island chain houses the Diego Garcia military installation, a crucial air base operated jointly by American and British forces in the Indian Ocean.
According to The Times, upcoming parliamentary legislation that would formalize the sovereignty transfer has been removed from the government’s legislative calendar. The agreement requires Washington’s approval to move forward.
President Trump previously called the arrangement a “big mistake” in February, despite earlier indicating it represented the best outcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer could achieve.
The proposed agreement would allow Britain to maintain operational control of the Diego Garcia base through a 99-year lease arrangement, ensuring continued American military operations at the facility.
A spokesperson for the British government emphasized that safeguarding Diego Garcia’s long-term security remains a top priority.
“We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has U.S. support. We are continuing to engage with the U.S. and Mauritius,” the spokesperson stated.
Relations between Washington and London have faced challenges recently, particularly regarding Starmer’s cautious approach to involvement in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and initial restrictions on American use of British military installations for offensive operations.
British authorities have since authorized U.S. forces to conduct what the prime minister describes as defensive military actions.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the British leader, stating he was “not Winston Churchill” and suggesting Starmer has damaged the historically close diplomatic ties between the two nations.
