White House reviews possible purchase of Chagos Islands

The White House is reportedly considering a plan to purchase the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a proposal that would bypass the United Kingdom and seek direct U.S. control over the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base. According to a report published on Sunday, June 7, U.S. officials have drafted a policy paper outlining several alternatives to a pending UK-Mauritius agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The proposal, which is not currently the leading option under consideration, would involve the United States negotiating a purchase of the islands from Mauritius. However, such a transaction would first require the UK to formally cede sovereignty to Mauritius, a step that has been delayed. The plan was reportedly brought to President Donald Trump's attention by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. A U.S. official stated that the administration remains in regular discussions with British allies to preserve the viability of Diego Garcia as a regional security platform.

The debate occurs against a backdrop of heightened military tensions and strategic concerns. The Diego Garcia base, a joint UK-U.S. facility located approximately 2,360 miles...