Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom, threatening to obstruct Britain’s planned transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This geopolitical maneuver emerges amidst reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has denied the United States permission to utilize UK military bases for launching offensive operations against Iran.
The escalating tensions coincide with significant US military repositioning toward the Middle East, indicating preparations for a potential extended campaign against Tehran. Trump has consistently advocated for military action against Iran, citing concerns over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He recently emphasized that failure to secure an agreement would prove ‘very traumatic’ for the nation.
Britain’s refusal to authorize attack launches from strategic locations like Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire stems from legal apprehensions that such actions might violate international law. This stance appears to have triggered Trump’s reversal on the Chagos Islands sovereignty arrangement, which involves a century-long leaseback of the joint UK-US Diego Garcia facility to Mauritius for £3.4 billion.
Trump publicly criticized Britain’s decision as a ‘big mistake’ that relinquishes control of a strategically vital asset. He underscored Diego Garcia’s operational significance, noting its proximity to Iran enables bomber aircraft to operate within 5,300 km while avoiding monitored Gulf airspace.
The Labour government has reportedly paused ratification of the Chagos agreement following Trump’s intervention. This represents the latest shift in Trump’s inconsistent position, having alternately endorsed and condemned the deal multiple times since last April.
The British Foreign Office maintained its standard protocol of not commenting on operational matters while reaffirming support for US-Iran political processes and regional security priorities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer faces domestic criticism from opposition figures like Reform leader Nigel Farage, who accused the government of jeopardizing the UK-US defense relationship.
Despite Starmer’s demonstrated commitment to strengthening Anglo-American ties, his administration has maintained diplomatic distance from Trump’s foreign policy approaches. This was evident during recent Middle Eastern conflicts where UK involvement remained deliberately limited despite regional provocations.
The strategic importance of Diego Garcia is further highlighted by its vulnerability to potential retaliation, with Iranian Shahed-136B kamikaze drones possessing sufficient range to threaten the base’s 4,000 predominantly US military personnel and contractors.