Key Facts

• The Chagos Islands are a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, including the Diego Garcia military base.
• The UK had planned to give control of the islands to Mauritius but paused this after the US withdrew support.
• The Trump administration might buy the islands directly from Mauritius if the islands become sovereign.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposed the idea to President Trump, but it is not the main option being considered.
• Some US officials worry Mauritius’ ties to China could risk espionage on the islands.
• The Diego Garcia base is important for US military actions, especially during the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict.
• Iran has launched missile strikes near the base, and the UK allowed the US to use the base to attack Iranian targets.
• Iran’s foreign minister warned that using UK bases to attack Iran puts British lives at risk.