Donald Trump recently altered his position regarding the Chagos Islands, stating that he no longer supports the deal that would transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius in exchange for continued military access to Diego Garcia. This change appears to be linked to the UK's decision not to permit the use of its airbases for pre-emptive strikes against Iran. Trump expressed his view through social media, criticizing Labour leader Keir Starmer for what he considered a mistake in negotiating the deal that could limit US military operations in the region.

Previously, Trump had indicated that the proposed arrangement was favorable, suggesting it was the best deal for Starmer given the circumstances. However, his recent comments reflect a significant concern regarding national security and military preparedness in relation to Iran's nuclear activities, which he described as imminent. By linking the Chagos situation to broader military considerations, Trump underscores the geopolitical implications of such territorial agreements, especially in a region as strategically important as the Indian Ocean.

The implications of this shift not only reveal the fluctuating nature of Trump's foreign policy stance but also highlight the tensions between UK and US defense priorities. As military operations against Iran remain a contentious issue, the prospect of utilizing Diego Garcia as a staging ground for potential strikes raises questions about international relations and the balance of sovereignty and security in negotiations over territories like the Chagos Islands.