Trump Approves Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer

US President Donald Trump has signed off on a controversial deal for the UK to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with the UK leasing back the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years. The deal involves the UK paying Mauritius £90 million annually, potentially costing over £50 billion over the lease period. The agreement, which required Trump’s approval due to the joint operation of the base by the UK and US, is now being finalized between the UK and Mauritius. Critics argue the deal compromises British and Western security interests in the Indo-Pacific region and may embolden China. The UK government contends it is compelled to cede the territory due to international legal rulings favoring Mauritius. The deal has sparked significant domestic criticism, with claims it diminishes the UK's global standing.