U.S. Eyes Independent Deal for Chagos Islands

The White House is reportedly considering purchasing the Chagos Islands from Mauritius directly, bypassing the U.K., to maintain control over Diego Garcia. This move is part of strategic options being discussed to secure the future of the island, despite previous British plans criticized by Trump.

The White House is contemplating an independent plan to acquire the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, excluding the United Kingdom from negotiations, as revealed by the Telegraph on Sunday.

The proposal by U.S. officials aims to secure control over Diego Garcia without involving the U.K., a strategic military asset in the Indian Ocean. Neither the White House nor the U.K. Foreign Office have provided immediate comments concerning this report.

This plan is one of several strategies being considered to prevent British Prime Minister Keir Starmer from transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. Regular talks continue between the White House and Downing Street regarding the future of Diego Garcia, given the previously paused U.K. decision on the matter, which faced criticism from Trump.