Trump Appears to Endorse UK's Chagos Islands Deal After Speaking with Starmer
Washington D.C. - United States President Donald Trump seemingly reversed his previous criticism of the United Kingdom's agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following a conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Al Jazeera reported on February 5, 2026. The move marks a significant shift after Trump initially called the UK's decision "a great stupidity" last month.
The agreement involves the Indian Ocean archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, home to a joint US-UK military base. The UK's decision to relinquish control has been a contentious issue, drawing criticism and raising questions about the strategic implications for the US and UK.
Trump's initial disapproval contrasted sharply with his apparent endorsement after speaking with Starmer. The details of their conversation and the reasons behind Trump's change of heart remain unclear. Al Jazeera noted that Trump had previously described the UK's decision as an act of "great stupidity."
The Chagos Islands have been a subject of international dispute for decades. Mauritius claims sovereignty over the archipelago, while the UK has maintained control. The presence of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia adds another layer of complexity to the situation, given its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean.
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