Washington, Feb 6 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump asserted that he will not permit any threats to the US military presence at Diego Garcia, cautioning that he retains the authority to militarily secure and reinforce the base if any future arrangements falter or if US forces are compromised.

“I have engaged in highly productive discussions with (British) Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the Island of Diego Garcia,” Trump shared in a post on Truth Social. “This location hosts a significant US Military Base, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, making it critically important to the National Security of the United States.”

Trump underlined the strategic significance of US bases overseas. “Our military operations have been successful over the past year due to the strength of our warfighters, modern equipment capabilities, and, importantly, the strategic positioning of our military bases for staging and other purposes,” he continued.

Discussing a reported leasing agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius concerning the island, Trump expressed empathy for the British Prime Minister’s stance. “I understand that the agreement Prime Minister Starmer has established is, according to many, the best he could achieve,” he noted.

However, he clearly warned against any potential risks to US interests. “Should the lease arrangement ever collapse in the future, or if anyone poses a threat to our operations and forces at our Base, I maintain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence at Diego Garcia,” Trump stated.

Trump also dismissed any challenges to the US presence there. “Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on such a vital base to be undermined or threatened by false claims or environmental nonsense,” he asserted.

The White House echoed this sentiment during a regular briefing. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had communicated directly with Starmer and endorsed his decision. “He directly spoke with Prime Minister Starmer and supports his position,” she told reporters.

Leavitt emphasized that US security rights remain unchallenged. “As the President reiterated, the United States reserves the right to protect our assets. We still maintain a military base on the island of Diego Garcia,” she stated.

Furthermore, she noted that Trump's stance transcends this particular case. “The United States will stand firm in safeguarding our assets globally, including at Diego Garcia,” Leavitt added.

Leavitt did not elaborate on the leasing arrangement or any timelines for forthcoming decisions, focusing instead on affirming US military access and the President’s support for an allied leader’s approach, while underscoring American boundaries.

Diego Garcia houses one of the most crucial US military facilities abroad and has long been a hub for operations in the Indian Ocean region. The base has played a vital role in US power projection across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The island has also been at the center of international legal and political discussions regarding sovereignty and governance, yet successive US administrations have regarded uninterrupted access to the base as a core national security priority.