UK pauses Chagos Islands handover

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration faced a major diplomatic setback after Trump labeled the transfer an 'act of great stupidity.' Mauritius has vowed to 'spare no effort' to reclaim control, while representatives of the displaced Chagossian people have asked the UN to intervene.

The base at Diego Garcia is a vital hub for US and British operations in the Indian Ocean, particularly during the current Iran conflict.

Former defense officials have warned that the deal's collapse could leave the islands' future in 'the deep freeze' for decades.