It is not Cuba or Greenland, but the Chagos Islands that currently seem to have aroused the US President’s interest. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean is in British possession, but is to be returned to Mauritius. Trump is said to have other plans.
June 8, 2026, 10:41 amJune 8, 2026, 10:41 am
The dispute and negotiations surrounding the Chagos Archipelago have been going on for a long time. The plan was actually for Great Britain to return it to Mauritius. Since there is a military base shared by the USA and Great Britain on the strategically important island of Diego Garcia, this island should remain under British control for another 99 years – the British would have paid billions for this. But they only want to sign an agreement with the support of the USA.
This is where the Chagos Archipelago lies:
But the USA stood in the way and Trump described the deal as an “act of great stupidity”. This is because Great Britain initially refused to allow the USA to launch attacks on Iran from its base. Now Trump is going even further: Like that telegraph reports that he is considering buying the Chagos Islands. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent whispered this to him, the Telegraph quotes sources close to the government.
Diego Garcia Island is part of the Chagos Archipelago.Image: keystone
Fear of China’s spies
But Trump can’t go on an island purchase that easily. He would first have to agree to the deal that he actually demonized. Then he would have to negotiate with Mauritius. Before a potential purchase, the sovereignty of the islands would have to be restored.
And that’s exactly why a purchase hasn’t been the primary focus of the USA so far. If the Chagos Islands return to China-aligned Mauritius, the government fears this could strengthen China’s espionage activities around the islands.
There are important and very secret facilities at the base, says Ben Judah, advisor to former British Foreign Minister David Lammy, to the Telegraph. Diego Garcia is particularly important for the USA at the moment. Because from the base, Iran is within range for attacks with long-range bombers.
The reverse is also possible. In March, Iran attacked the island with ballistic missiles. However, the system was not hit. (front)