An official from the Chagossian government-in-exile stated on August 16, 2026, that the ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted the strategic significance of Diego Garcia for U.S. military operations and regional stability in the Middle East. Following an Iranian strike on a U.S. installation in Bahrain, the Pentagon has reportedly shifted logistics to the U.K.-U.S. base located in the Indian Ocean. The base has supported U.S. carrier strike groups, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has conducted air operations in the region.
The U.S. military's logistics now involve a maritime supply route of approximately 2,200 miles to Diego Garcia, which allows forces to avoid coastal facilities that may be vulnerable to Iranian attacks. James Tumbridge, an international lawyer and attorney general for the Chagossian government-in-exile, emphasized the base's importance for the U.K., U.S., and their allies, stating that the recent developments underscore this significance.
Tumbridge noted that Bahrain is a more accessible target, making the U.S. shift in supply arrangements logical. He expressed hope that the new British Prime Minister would support the U.S. in maintaining the base's operational status. The U.K. and Mauritius signed a treaty in 2025 recognizing Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, while allowing the U.K. to retain control of Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years. However, the implementation of this agreement has been paused due to U.S. concerns.
Reports from June indicated that U.S. officials were considering a proposal to bypass Britain and negotiate control of Diego Garcia directly. Tumbridge responded to these developments by asserting that the Chagos Islands are not for sale and that only the U.K. has the authority to transfer ownership.
The U.K. government has allowed the U.S. to utilize Diego Garcia for limited defensive operations against Iranian missile capabilities, although it initially withheld approval for offensive strikes. On March 20, 2026, it was reported that Iran had launched two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, with one missile failing in flight and the other being intercepted by a U.S. warship. Tumbridge stated that there are no serious concerns regarding the safety of the islands, as the previous missile attempt demonstrated Iran's limited targeting capabilities.
As the USS Abraham Lincoln approaches nine months of deployment in the region, President Trump announced that a new aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East to replace it. The Pentagon has been contacted for further comments on the situation.