The Trump administration is reportedly considering a proposal to purchase the Chagos Islands from Mauritius as uncertainty continues over plans for the UK to transfer sovereignty of the territory. Get today's headlines by email According to reports first published by the Telegraph, the proposal would allow the United States to secure long-term control of the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, jointly operated by the US and UK in the Indian Ocean. The White House has not commented publicly on the reported discussions. Proposal Linked to Diego Garcia BaseUnder the reported plan, Washington would seek to buy the islands directly from Mauritius rather than rely on the UK's proposed sovereignty transfer arrangement. However, the territory would first need to become fully sovereign before any direct negotiations between the US and Mauritius could take place. Legislation related to handing control of the islands to Mauritius was reportedly shelved in April after the United States withdrew its support for the arrangement. The purchase proposal is said to be one of several options being examined by US officials. The Telegraph reported that the idea was raised by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and presented to President Donald Trump, although it is not currently viewed as the leading option. Some members of the administration have reportedly expressed concerns that transferring sovereignty to Mauritius could create security risks because of the country's ties with China, raising fears about potential espionage near the military facility. Chagossian Refugees Call for ResolutionThe debate has drawn criticism from representatives of displaced Chagossians, who say their interests have become overshadowed by political disputes. A six-member delegation from the Chagos Refugees Group visited the UK last week and voiced support for efforts to reach an agreement on the future of the islands. The group's leader, Louis Olivier Bancoult, said the priority should be securing the rights of Chagossians, including the right to return to their birthplace. He argued that insufficient progress had been made toward resolving the long-running dispute and called for a solution that addresses the concerns of the islanders. Strategic Importance During Iran ConflictInterest in the future of the Chagos Islands has intensified amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Diego Garcia lies about 3,800 kilometres from Iran and hosts facilities capable of supporting long-range US military operations. The base has played a role in the conflict, including missile operations directed at Iranian targets. Reports indicate that Iran has launched several attacks against the facility since the conflict escalated. A strike in March was intercepted by a US warship. The UK also authorised the use of the base for missile launches targeting Iranian missile sites earlier this year. UK Maintains Support for AgreementA UK government spokesperson said the proposed agreement with Mauritius was designed to protect the long-term security and operational control of Diego Garcia. The spokesperson described the base as a critical military asset that has supported British and American security interests for nearly six decades. The UK government added that the agreement was intended to prevent strategic rivals from gaining influence in the region and safeguard the future of the facility. When asked whether Britain would proceed with transferring sovereignty if the United States objected, a government source said the UK had consistently maintained that it would not move forward without American support. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 June 2026
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