US considers buying Chagos Islands, Telegraph reports

The United States is reportedly exploring a direct acquisition of the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a move that would sidestep the United Kingdom's involvement. U.S. officials have drafted a proposal to gain control over Diego Garcia, the site of a crucial U.S.-British air base, according to The Telegraph.

This initiative is one of several options being considered by the White House. The paper aims to present alternatives to a deal previously considered by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which would have ceded sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius. The White House has maintained ongoing discussions with Downing Street regarding the future of the Diego Garcia base.

Earlier this year, the British government halted its agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision followed criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had described the deal as a "big mistake" in February. The strategic importance of Diego Garcia, a joint military facility, appears to be a key factor driving these U.S. considerations.