Trump Warns of Potential U.S. Military Action from UK Bases
In a scathing critique of British foreign policy, President Donald Trump has called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to halt the planned transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In a lengthy statement on Truth Social, the President warned that the move jeopardizes a critical military foothold necessary for countering the Iranian nuclear threat.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump expanded on his criticism of the UK's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Diego Garcia military base and linking it to potential U.S. actions against Iran.
Trump's full statement, posted earlier today, reads as follows:
"I have been telling Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, that Leases are no good when it comes to Countries, and that he is making a big mistake by entering a 100 Year Lease with whoever it is that is 'claiming' Right, Title, and Interest to Diego Garcia, strategically located in the Indian Ocean. Our relationship with the United Kingdom is a strong and powerful one, and it has been for many years, but Prime Minister Starmer is losing control of this important Island by claims of entities never known of before. In our opinion, they are fictitious in nature.Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime — An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly Countries. Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia, by entering a tenuous, at best, 100 Year Lease.This land should not be taken away from the U.K. 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 U.K., but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them. DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!"The post has drawn widespread attention, with White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirming it reflects official administration policy.
This comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and Israel's concurrent defensive preparations..
No immediate response from Downing Street has been issued.