President Donald J. Trump issued a sharp warning to United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer over reports of a proposed 100-year lease involving Diego Garcia, the strategically critical island that hosts a major joint U.S.-UK military installation.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump argued that long-term lease agreements involving sovereign territory undermine national control and pose serious security risks. “Leases are no good when it comes to Countries,” Trump stated, adding that entering into a century-long agreement with any entity claiming “Right, Title, and Interest” to Diego Garcia would be “a big mistake.”

Trump described the U.S.-UK alliance as “strong and powerful” but cautioned that such an arrangement could result in Britain “losing control of this important Island” to what he characterized as previously unknown or questionable claimants. He raised concerns that weakening sovereignty over the base could create vulnerabilities at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

The president pointed specifically to Iran, warning that if Tehran refuses to reach a diplomatic agreement, the United States may need to rely on Diego Garcia and the Royal Air Force base at Fairford for potential military operations. He emphasized that any threat posed by a “highly unstable and dangerous Regime” would not only target American interests but could also endanger the United Kingdom and other allied nations.

“Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia,” Trump wrote, concluding with a direct message: “DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!”

Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, serves as a critical logistics and operations hub for U.S. and British forces, particularly in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions. Trump’s comments reflect his long-standing opposition to agreements that he believes dilute sovereign authority or weaken strategic positioning.

The remarks add pressure on the Starmer government as it navigates defense policy and territorial considerations tied to one of the West’s most important overseas military assets.