Trump: Diego Garcia Vital for Potential Iran Attack

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Britain not to 'cede' the U.S.-British airbase on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. He stated that the base would be vital if Washington needed to attack Iran.

'Do not cede Diego Garcia,' Trump wrote on Truth Social, hours after the State Department expressed its support for London's agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease the base for 99 years.

Trump argued that the British Prime Minister is making a 'big mistake' by deciding to lease the land where the base is located. 'Prime Minister Starmer is losing control of this important island due to claims by entities not known until now,' he added.

Trump also said that the U.S. might need to use Diego Garcia, as well as an airfield in Fairford, to 'eliminate a potential attack' from Iran, should Tehran decide not to proceed with a nuclear program agreement. Under a 2025 agreement, Britain will hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius but retain control of the airbase on Diego Garcia for 99 years.

Source: APE-MPE-Reuters-AFP