Trump Warns UK Against Surrendering Strategic Base Amid Tensions with Iran

Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom on February 18, cautioning Prime Minister Keir Starmer against relinquishing control of the vital Indian Ocean base, Diego Garcia. This warning comes at a pivotal moment as Trump considers military strikes against Iran, raising the stakes for U.S. military strategy in the region. Trump's comments were made on his Truth Social platform shortly after the U.S. State Department expressed support for a deal proposed by Starmer’s Labour government that would return the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. In this agreement, the UK would lease the strategic base to the U.S. for a period of one hundred years. 'Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control of Diego Garcia for any reason,' Trump wrote. 'This land should not be taken away from the UK, and if it is allowed to be, it will be a blight on our Great Ally. We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism and other problems put before them. DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA.' The Chagos Islands had been retained under British control after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s, following which the UK evicted thousands of inhabitants, many of whom are still seeking compensation through legal channels. In his remarks, Trump dismissed their claims as 'fictitious in nature.' In response, a spokesperson from the UK Foreign Office defended the agreement, asserting that it secures the UK-U.S. base and is crucial for the security of the UK and its allies. 'The agreement we have reached is the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base,' the spokesperson stated. The timing of Trump’s comments aligns with increasing tensions surrounding Iran. Reports indicate that thousands of demonstrators were killed recently in Iran during governmental crackdowns, and the U.S. is pressing Tehran for significant concessions regarding its nuclear program. Furthermore, last June, the U.S. joined Israel in a bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Believing military action against Iran may become necessary, Trump suggested that Diego Garcia, along with the Fairford airfield in the UK, might be crucial for any operations against Iran’s regime, which he described as highly unstable and dangerous. Trump’s warning underscored his belief that not only the U.S. but also the UK could be at risk from potential attacks from Iran, indicating a collective defense strategy. 'Great stupidity,' he labeled the original agreement in his earlier remarks. Interestingly, just a day prior, the U.S. State Department announced upcoming talks with Mauritius regarding the maintenance of Diego Garcia. In their statement, the State Department reiterated support for the UK’s agreement with Mauritius. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump’s comments should be regarded as reflective of the former administration’s policy. When the deal was first announced last year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed it as historic. However, Trump's mixed statements raise questions regarding U.S. foreign policy consistency, particularly in relation to its allies. The former president’s evolving stance on the Chagos Islands mirrors broader geopolitical maneuvers that continue to unfold as tensions with Iran escalate. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2