General · 18 February 2026
Trump says UK must keep Diego Garcia island
US President Donald Trump used social media to criticise Britain's intention to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius. Although the agreement involves leasing the Diego Garcia military site back for 99 years, Trump described losing the territory as a blight. This statement conflicts with Washington’s official approval of the plan ahead of discussions between the US and Mauritius next week.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs