In a controversial statement, former US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could utilize its military base on the Chagos Islands for operations against Iran. This remark follows the UK government's decision to return these islands to Mauritius, a move that has met with strong disapproval from Trump. He has previously criticized the agreement, which he views as detrimental to US strategic interests in the region, specifically mentioning that the return of Diego Garcia, a key base on these islands, is a mistake.

The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have been a topic of international dispute, particularly regarding sovereignty and military rights. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an agreement last year to return the islands to Mauritius, but the deal allows the UK and US to continue utilizing the military installations there. Trump's repeated denouncements of this arrangement highlight ongoing tensions between the US and UK regarding military strategy in areas of geopolitical significance, particularly with respect to Iran and other regional actors.

Furthermore, Trump's latest criticisms come just hours after the US State Department reaffirmed its support for the agreement between the UK and Mauritius, reflecting a complex relationship where the US is balancing its military interests with diplomatic relations. The implications of Trump's statements suggest a potential shift in military strategy and may exacerbate tensions with both the UK and Iran as discussions around the future of the Chagos Islands evolve.