UK pauses Chagos Islands transfer

The sudden U-turn on the Chagos sovereignty deal has been described as a 'humiliation' for the British government.

President Trump had previously threatened to withdraw U.S. cooperation if the transfer proceeded, citing national security risks associated with the joint U.S.-UK base.

Former officials suggest that the lack of American support made the long-term lease of Diego Garcia untenable.

The decision has sparked a backlash from Mauritius and international human rights groups, who argue that the indigenous Chagossian people are being used as political pawns in a larger geopolitical struggle.