23 February 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 12:33 pm ]
The strategic future of Diego Garcia and the wider Chagos Island chain is once again at the centre of global politics. What began as a decolonisation agreement between Britain and Mauritius has now evolved into a tense debate over UK and USA ownership claims, Iran tensions, and nuclear security concerns.
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The Chagos Deal Explained
Overview: The UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia for military use.
In 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer finalised a controversial agreement to return Chagos sovereignty to Mauritius. However, Diego Garcia would remain operational as a joint UK-US base for 99 years under the lease.
Before diving deeper, here are the core points:
- Britain separated the islands from Mauritius in 1965 before Mauritian independence.
- Mauritius has long argued the move was unlawful.
- The International Court of Justice previously advised the UK to return the territory.
- The new agreement keeps Diego Garcia operational under a long-term Mauritius lease.
This arrangement aimed to balance decolonisation with military necessity, but it triggered fresh UK and USA ownership arguments.
Why Diego Garcia Matters So Much
Overview: Diego Garcia is one of America’s most strategically vital overseas bases.
Located in the central Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia serves as a critical logistics and bomber hub. To understand its importance, consider the following facts about Chagos and Diego:
- It hosts long runways capable of handling B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers.
- It supported US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- It has been used for missions targeting Yemen’s Houthis.
- It sits outside the range of many regional missile systems.
During heightened USA-Iran tensions, the base is seen as a potential launch point for long-range operations. That strategic reality fuels ongoing UK and USA ownership arguments.
Trump’s Reversal and Iran Fears
Overview: Donald Trump shifted from supporting the deal to strongly opposing it.
Initially, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement. But President Donald Trump later criticised it, warning Britain: “DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!”
His concern? The evolving Iran-UK stand.
Here’s what changed:
- The UK reportedly would not allow a pre-emptive strike on Iran from its bases.
- British approval is required for operations launched from Diego Garcia.
- A pre-emptive strike may not align with UK interpretations of international law.
- Trump linked Diego Garcia directly to potential action if the USA-Iran talks collapse.
This legal hesitation has intensified UK and USA ownership arguments, with Washington worried about operational restrictions.
Mauritius’ Position and Nuclear Concerns
Overview: Mauritius frames the issue as unfinished decolonisation.
Mauritius argues that Chagos was unlawfully detached before independence in 1968. Under the Mauritius lease agreement:
- Sovereignty returns to Mauritius.
- The UK and US retain base access for 99 years.
- Renewal clauses may extend that access further.
However, Mauritius has raised concerns under the African Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (Pelindaba Treaty). While there’s no confirmed presence of nuclear weapons on Diego Garcia, speculation continues.
These legal and treaty obligations add complexity to the broader UK and USA ownership arguments.
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India and Regional Stakes
Overview: India supports Mauritian sovereignty but values US presence.
India consistently backs Mauritius’ claim to the Chagos. At the same time:
- Diego Garcia contributes to maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean.
- It balances growing Chinese naval activity.
- Stability in the Indo-Pacific aligns with Indian security priorities.
Thus, while India supports decolonisation, it recognises the strategic value of the lease arrangement.
Key Facts About Chagos Island
Overview: Everything you need to know about this island
Before forming an opinion, here are essential facts about Chagos:
- Around 60 coral islands form the archipelago.
- Diego Garcia is about 15 miles long and 22 feet above sea level.
- The original inhabitants were removed in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- It lies roughly 1,250 miles northeast of Mauritius.
These facts about this Island highlight why sovereignty and security concerns intersect so sharply.
What Happens Next?
Overview: Political uncertainty remains on both sides of the Atlantic.
The UK must pass implementing legislation in Parliament. Meanwhile:
- Conservative politicians in Britain oppose the deal.
- US lawmakers question whether the sovereignty transfer weakens American leverage.
- The ongoing USA and Iran diplomatic standoff could reshape negotiations.
As tensions fluctuate, the Iran and UK stand will likely influence how firmly Britain sticks to legal constraints on military operations.
FAQs
1. What is the Mauritius lease agreement?
It allows the UK and US to retain control of Diego Garcia for 99 years after sovereignty transfers to Mauritius.
2. Why is It important in USA-Iran tensions?
Its long runway and remote location make it ideal for bomber operations in the Middle East.
3. Can the US launch strikes without UK approval?
No. Under current agreements, Britain must approve operations launched from Diego Garcia.
4. Why does Mauritius want Chagos Island back?
Mauritius argues it was forced to give up the islands before independence.
5. Is there a nuclear weapons issue?
Mauritius is part of a nuclear-free zone treaty, raising concerns about potential nuclear storage, though no confirmation exists.
Conclusion
The Diego Garcia dispute blends decolonisation, strategic military planning, and rising tensions between the USA and Iran into one geopolitical flashpoint. While the Mauritius lease attempts to satisfy legal and security demands, the evolving Iran-UK stand and renewed UK vs USA ownership arguments suggest this debate is far from over.
