Trump u-turned on Chagos 'because UK hasn't agreed' to him launching Iran strikes from Britain
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/trump-u-turned-chagos-because-36749905
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Trump Reverses Chagos Support Over UK Strike PermissionTrump’s withdrawal from Chagos deal linked to UK delaying approval for US strikes on Iran from British bases.
Key FactsFeb 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mirror.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mirror.co.uk
- Donald Trump withdrew support for the Chagos Islands agreement because the UK has not authorized strikes on Iran from its bases.
- He indicated in a social media post that Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford might be used if Iran refuses a nuclear deal.
- RAF Fairford is the US Air Force’s sole European base for heavy bombers, operated by the US Department of Defense.
- Although Trump criticized the handover, the US government had previously backed the deal transferring sovereignty to Mauritius with a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia.
"Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime," he said. "An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly Countries."— Trump's Truth Social post claiming the US might use Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford to strike Iran; linked to UK not agreeing to allow strikes
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Trump changed mind on Chagos deal ‘after UK blocked use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes’
theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/19/donald-trump-turns-against-uk-chagos-islands-plan-iran
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I was in the room when Trump backed Starmer over Chagos. This is why his U-turn is so bizarre
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ft.com/content/06e5f12f-f6aa-4a8a-86f8-7f1b2cea3610
Paid articlePaywall Trump u-turned on Chagos 'because UK hasn't agreed' to him launching Iran strikes from Britain
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/trump-u-turned-chagos-because-36749905
thetimes.com Feb 19
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Key FactsTrump Labels Chagos Deal a National Security Blunder
Jan 20, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
- President Trump criticized the UK-Mauritius agreement on the Chagos Islands as a serious mistake.
- The May deal allows the UK to retain control and lease the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years.
- Trump linked the arrangement to his push for acquiring Greenland due to national security reasons.
- US Secretary of State Rubio praised the agreement for securing long-term cooperation and regional stability.
The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.— Donald Trump describes the UK's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an 'act of great stupidity'.
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Key FactsIndia Applauds UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Treaty
May 23, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ndtv.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ndtv.com
- The UK is relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, after more than five decades.
- Despite the handover, the UK retains full security responsibility for the strategically located Diego Garcia atoll.
- India has consistently backed Mauritius’s legitimate claim, highlighting principles of decolonization and respect for sovereignty.
- This bilateral treaty marks a milestone in resolving the longstanding dispute and enhancing regional maritime security.
The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region.— Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the return of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.
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