Trump: U.S. Will Not Leave Diego Garcia Air Base in Indian Ocean

President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States will maintain its presence at the strategically vital Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean. Trump made the statement on Truth Social, emphasizing the base’s critical role in U.S. military operations, including missions in the Middle East.

Trump also discussed the base with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting that the lease agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius is widely seen as the most viable arrangement. However, he warned that any threats to the base or violations of the lease could prompt U.S. military action to protect American forces and operations.

“The American presence at such an important base will not be undermined or put at risk by false claims or environmental nonsense,” Trump stated, underscoring the base’s significance to U.S. national security.

Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Archipelago formerly under British Indian Ocean Territory, was slated to be transferred to Mauritius under a May 2025 agreement. Britain will lease the military base to the U.S. for 99 years, ensuring continued American operations. Historically, the base has supported U.S. missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Earlier this year, Trump criticized the UK’s transfer of the islands, claiming it demonstrated weakness and attracted attention from China and Russia.