Read our Privacy noticeUS president Donald Trump reportedly withdrew his support for the British prime minister’s Chagos Islands deal because the UK is blocking America from using RAF bases to launch an attack on Iran. Under Sir Keir’s plans for handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, the UK would lease back the base on Diego Garcia. The government has said it remains committed to advancing the Chagos Islands deal despite Mr Trump’s latest U-turn. open image in gallery The British Indian Ocean Territory or Chagos Islands ( CPA Media/PA )However, the Foreign Office is understood not to recognise the reporting. He said: “I’ll say Keir Starmer, as my prime minister, you have to look at this treaty again.

Source: The Times February 19, 2026 20:26 UTC