Trump Targets Chagos Islands in Dramatic Bid to Halt Handover

The White House is actively exploring the possibility of purchasing the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a stunning move that could completely derail British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s plans to officially hand sovereignty of the archipelago to Port Louis.

According to a report published on The Telegraph’s website on Sunday, 7 June, American officials have drawn up several alternative scenarios regarding the future of Diego Garcia—the highly strategic military base operated jointly by the United Kingdom and the United States.

Chief among the options being examined is Washington acquiring the Chagos Islands outright following any potential transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius.

Shift in Trump’s Position

The purchase proposal was reportedly brought to US President Donald Trump’s attention by his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent.

However, The Telegraph notes that this option is not currently the White House’s preferred solution at this stage.

President Trump has significantly shifted his stance on the matter. While he initially supported the agreement negotiated between London and Port Louis, he has since revised his position, repeatedly criticizing the proposed handover as an act of weakness and “great stupidity.”

Geopolitical & Espionage Fears

American officials are increasingly anxious over the geopolitical alignment of Mauritius, which the article characterizes as being close to both China and Iran.

There are deep-seated fears in Washington that transferring sovereignty to Port Louis would leave the region highly exposed to espionage risks.

The strategic importance of Diego Garcia has locked into sharper focus recently, intensified by ongoing tensions in the Middle East and China’s growing naval power.

A US official cited by The Telegraph confirmed that Washington is maintaining regular discussions with the UK to safeguard Diego Garcia’s strategic role as a vital regional security platform.

British Government Response

The British government has so far offered no reaction to the claims published by the newspaper.

However, earlier in May, Hamish Falconer, the UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, explicitly stated that there was no scenario under which the United States could buy the archipelago.

At the time, Mr Falconer firmly reaffirmed London’s commitment to the agreement already concluded with Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media