Trump says UK's Starmer making 'a big mistake' on Diego Garcia lease

The US president warns the island could be crucial for US security plans

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer was making a big mistake by entering into a lease of the US-UK air base on Diego Garcia.

"Prime Minister Starmer is losing control of this important Island by claims of entities never known of before," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump also said it may be necessary for the US to use Diego Garcia, and an airfield located in Fairford, in order to "eradicate a potential attack" by Iran if Tehran decides not to make a deal resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute.

Under a 2025 agreement, Britain will transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the strategically important US-UK air base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.