A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber taxis after conducting a combat mission at Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, on April 16, 2025. Anthony Hetlage/U.S. Air Force
U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 18 urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to retain control of Diego Garcia, saying the island territory could help deter future aggression by Iran.
“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly Countries.”
