Chagos Islands deal on hold

The agreement, which would have given Mauritius formal sovereignty over the Indian Ocean archipelago, included a 99-year lease for the strategic U.K.-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.

President Trump recently labeled the deal an 'act of great stupidity' and withdrew U.S. cooperation, citing concerns over regional security.

Former diplomats warn that the pause could lead to a crime against humanity claim from the displaced Chagossian people at the United Nations.

Mauritius has vowed to spare no effort to reclaim control, while the U.K. remains caught between international law and its primary military ally.