President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the possibility of the United States purchasing the Chagos Islands to ensure long-term control over the Diego Garcia military base. This information was reported by the Telegraph on June 7, 2026, citing U.S. officials familiar with the discussions. The consideration comes amid a dispute involving Britain and Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of the islands.
The Trump administration is exploring this acquisition as an alternative to a proposal by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which aims to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. The report highlights growing uncertainty surrounding a 2025 agreement that would allow for the transfer while permitting continued military operations at Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
This deal was presented by Britain as a resolution to a long-standing territorial dispute, which has faced scrutiny from international courts and the United Nations. Mauritius has claimed that the islands were unlawfully separated from its territory prior to independence.
Trump had initially shown support for the agreement but later criticized it, calling the transfer an act of "great stupidity" and cautioning against giving away Diego Garcia. His administration's opposition contributed to the suspension of the sovereignty transfer agreement, which Britain announced had been shelved indefinitely after Trump withdrew support.
Additionally, Trump officials expressed concerns about the sovereignty transfer to Mauritius due to its relations with Iran and China. The Diego Garcia base has been a critical site for U.S. military operations, including recent activities in the Middle East.
