Donald Trump has reversed his stance on the UK’s Chagos Islands agreement following a conversation with Keir Starmer. Initially criticizing the handover as foolish, Trump now supports the deal after talks with the UK Prime Minister. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged the deal as the best possible outcome, while also emphasizing his prerogative to safeguard U.S. interests in Diego Garcia if necessary.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that both leaders recognized the importance of the agreement in maintaining the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia for mutual security interests. The deal, valued at £35 billion over a century, involves transferring sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while leasing back the facility on the island.

Discussing ongoing peace negotiations in Ukraine, the leaders underscored the deal’s significance. Trump’s earlier criticism of the agreement as a display of weakness had caused delays in the parliamentary ratification process. However, recent discussions between the leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the base’s continued operation.

The Prime Minister highlighted prior endorsements of the deal by U.S. intelligence agencies and top officials, citing it as a significant achievement securing the base’s long-term future. Despite some internal concerns over the deal’s cost and necessity, the government clarified that the decision was not solely based on the 2019 ICJ advisory opinion but also on practical operational considerations.

The agreement faced scrutiny following changes in the U.S. and Mauritian administrations, leading to a thorough review process through parliamentary procedures and under two U.S. presidential administrations.