UK Pauses Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer Amid US Opposition

The United Kingdom has paused legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing a lack of support from the United States. A UK government spokesperson stated, "We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support."

In May 2025, the UK and Mauritius announced an agreement to return full sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. The deal included a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, the largest island and site of a strategic military base, to ensure continued US operations.

However, US President Donald Trump opposed the move, describing it as "an act of great stupidity" in January.

The UK government emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, stating, "Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority."

Relations between the UK and US have been strained recently, particularly over military actions in Iran and the use of British bases. The UK is leading a coalition to protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz without initial US participation.

The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814. In the 1960s and 1970s, thousands of Chagossians were forcibly removed to make way for the military base on Diego Garcia. In 2019, the International Court of Justice recommended that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.