Trump Weighs Buying Chagos Islands to Secure Diego Garcia Base, 2,360 Miles From Iran
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 7
Trump Weighs Buying Chagos Islands to Secure Diego Garcia Base, 2,360 Miles From Iran
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 7
Summary
A proposal under review would have the US buy the Chagos Islands from Mauritius to lock in control of the Diego Garcia military base after UK plans to transfer sovereignty stalled.
The Telegraph said the idea—put forward by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—is not the leading option and would first require the islands to become sovereign so Washington could negotiate directly with Mauritius.
US support for legislation handing the territory to Mauritius was withdrawn in April, with some Trump officials worried that Mauritius’ ties to China could expose the base to espionage risks.
Diego Garcia has gained urgency during the US-Israel war with Iran: the base sits about 2,360 miles from Iran, can handle long-range US missiles, and has already faced Iranian strikes since late March.