UK Shelves Chagos Sovereignty Transfer Amid US Objection

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shelved legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from the United Kingdom to Mauritius, following opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, announced ahead of the King's Speech in mid-May, halts a preliminary agreement signed in May 2025 that would have allowed the UK to secure a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, the largest island and site of a key joint UK-U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean.

The move comes after Trump withdrew support for the deal, describing it as "an act of great stupidity" in January 2026. Although the U.S. initially endorsed the arrangement following negotiations between the two nations' intelligence services, Trump's stance shifted amid broader tensions with NATO allies, including disputes over Greenland and Britain's position during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran. A government spokesperson emphasized that "Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US," adding that ensuring its long-term operational security remains the priority. The UK has stated it will only proceed with U.S. backing and continues discussions with both...