UK to hold off on deal ceding Chagos Islands amid US opposition
Al Jazeera·3h ago·Neutral
What Happened
The UK postponed legislation returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after US President Donald Trump opposed the plan. Under the proposed deal, Mauritius would gain sovereignty of the 60+ Indian Ocean islands, while Britain would lease Diego Garcia, home to a strategic military base, for 99 years. Trump called the arrangement "an act of great stupidity" in January. UK officials stated the deal protects the base's long-term security and requires US support to proceed.
Key Entities
United KingdomMauritiusChagos IslandsDonald TrumpDiego GarciaKeir StarmerUnited States