Donald Trump has signaled his acceptance of the UK's agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which includes the strategically vital island of Diego Garcia and its joint U.S.-UK military base. This development follows discussions between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marking a potential turning point after previous criticisms from the former President who had, in the past, called the deal "an act of great stupidity".

The agreement, initially signed in May of last year, aims to resolve the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands, which have been under British control for over two centuries. Under the terms, the UK would cede sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius, while a 99-year lease would ensure the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base by the U.S. and the UK.

Diego Garcia holds immense strategic importance as a key U.S. military projection asset in the Indian Ocean region. The base has been crucial for U.S. operations in the Middle East and Asia, serving as a staging ground and support facility for military deployments.

The U.S. State Department had previously welcomed the historic agreement between the UK and Mauritius, commending both nations for their commitment to ensuring that Diego Garcia remains fully operational. The Trump Administration, following a comprehensive interagency review in May 2025, had determined that the agreement secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia, deeming it a critical asset for regional and global security.

Despite his current acceptance, Trump has maintained a firm stance on safeguarding U.S. interests. Acknowledging the lease agreement negotiated by Starmer, Trump stressed that the U.S. reserves the right to act if the lease were ever compromised or if U.S. operations were threatened. "I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia," he stated.

The change in stance comes after Trump previously expressed concerns that the UK's decision to hand over the islands to Mauritius was an act of "great stupidity," further justifying his desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. He had argued that ceding the islands would be perceived as weakness by China and Russia.

The agreement has faced delays in ratification, partly due to Trump's earlier criticisms. However, with his apparent acceptance, the path may now be clearer for the deal to move forward.

The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected as the UK and Mauritius work towards finalizing the transfer of sovereignty while ensuring the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base. The U.S. commitment to maintaining its presence on the island underscores its strategic importance in the region.