URGENT UPDATE: US President Donald Trump has slammed the UK’s recent agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an “act of great stupidity.” This statement comes just months after Trump previously endorsed the deal, raising eyebrows about the shifting stance.
The controversial deal, signed in May for £3.4 billion ($4.6 billion), allows the UK to maintain control over the crucial US military base located on the largest island, Diego Garcia. This base is vital for military operations in the Indian Ocean.
In a provocative post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump expressed his disbelief, stating, “Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.” He emphasized that this move exemplifies “total weakness,” implying potential risks to national security.
Trump’s remarks come as geopolitical tensions escalate, with China and Russia closely monitoring the situation. The former president’s outburst raises questions about the future of UK-US relations and the implications for military strategy in the region.
This development is significant as it reflects deepening divides over defense partnerships and strategic military interests. The UK’s decision to lease back a critical base while transferring sovereignty over the islands has sparked debates among policymakers and military analysts about the stability of international alliances.
As this story continues to unfold, further reactions from UK officials and military experts are anticipated. The implications of Trump’s statements could influence public and political discourse around the agreement and its perceived impact on global security.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. For live alerts, follow @BBCBreaking on X, and consider downloading the BBC News App for instant notifications.
