The Trump administration is reportedly considering a plan to purchase the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a move that would bypass UK officials to secure long-term control of the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. While the proposal, reportedly brought to President Donald Trump by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is not currently viewed as a leading option, it highlights growing tensions over the strategic territory.
Did You Know? The Diego Garcia military base, situated in the central Indian Ocean, is located approximately 2,360 miles from Iran and is equipped with an airbase capable of handling U.S. long-range missiles.
Why the Chagos Islands remain a strategic flashpoint
The potential purchase follows the shelving of previous legislation intended to hand the islands to Mauritius after the U.S. withdrew its support for the deal in April. According to reports, some officials within the Trump administration have expressed concerns that granting the territory to Mauritius—an ally of China—could create significant espionage risks.
The UK government has maintained that its control over the base is vital for national security. A government spokesperson stated that protecting the base from adversaries is the primary basis for the UK-Mauritius Agreement. However, when asked if the UK would proceed with ceding sovereignty without U.S. backing, a government source confirmed, “We’ve always been clear we wouldn’t go ahead without US support.”
The impact of the ongoing conflict with Iran
The debate over the islands’ future is unfolding against the backdrop of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which has been ongoing since late February. The Diego Garcia base has become a target in the conflict, with Iran launching multiple strikes against the facility. In March, the UK authorized the U.S. to use the base to launch missiles at Iranian missile launchers, a move President Trump criticized as “very late.”
In response to the base’s involvement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly warned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that allowing British bases to be used for aggression against Iran puts British lives at risk. Meanwhile, a six-person delegation from the Chagos Refugees Group visited the UK last week to advocate for their own rights. Delegation leader Louis Olivier Bancoult stated that the issue has been “hijacked within the halls” of UK politics, emphasizing that the displaced people maintain a right to live in their birthplace.
What may happen next
Because the plan to purchase the islands is reportedly one of several proposals under consideration, it is unclear if the administration will pursue the purchase further. If the U.S. were to move forward, the islands would first need to be made sovereign to allow for direct negotiations with Mauritius. As the situation stands, the future of the territory remains tied to the ongoing security requirements of the U.S. and the UK, as well as the diplomatic and logistical challenges posed by the regional conflict with Iran.
Expert Insight: The proposal to purchase the islands underscores the high stakes of maintaining operational control in the Indian Ocean. While the move would offer the U.S. unilateral security, it would also represent a significant departure from established diplomatic frameworks with the UK and could complicate relations with Mauritius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who proposed the plan to purchase the Chagos Islands?
The plan was reportedly put forth by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and brought to President Trump, though it is not currently considered a leading option.
Why are some U.S. officials concerned about Mauritius?
Some officials in the Trump administration are concerned that because Mauritius is an ally of China, transferring the islands could open up the possibility of espionage.
What is the current status of the U.S.-UK agreement regarding the base?
The UK government has indicated it will not proceed with ceding sovereignty of the territory without U.S. support, citing the need to protect the base as a key strategic military asset.
How do you think the competing interests of sovereign rights and global military strategy should be balanced in this region?
