US Retains Right to ‘Militarily Secure’ Chagos Air Base, Trump Says

Washington views the Diego Garcia military base as a critical hub for operations across the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands during a news conference at Chequers near Aylesbury, England, on Sept. 18, 2025. Leon Neal/AP

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 5  he retained the right to “militarily secure” the U.S.–UK Diego Garcia air base in the Chagos Islands, if future arrangements threatened American access.

Trump has criticized the UK’s decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it an “act of total weakness” last month. Under the agreement, signed in October 2025, the Diego Garcia military base would remain under UK control for at least 99 years, ensuring continued access for U.S. forces.