Trump recently said the the UK stupidly gave away an island for free and then leased it back and that this stopped the US planes launching their attacks on Iran from it
Analysis
The claim that Trump recently said the UK "stupidly gave away an island for free and then leased it back," which allegedly stopped US planes from launching attacks on Iran from Diego Garcia, is partially supported by available sources. Multiple non-trusted sources report Trump criticizing the UK’s Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius, calling it "stupid" or "weak," and warning against losing control of Diego Garcia, a key US-UK military base. However, there is no clear evidence that the UK gave the island away for free; rather, the deal involves returning sovereignty to Mauritius while maintaining a long-term lease for the military base. Furthermore, sources do not definitively confirm that this arrangement has stopped US planes from launching attacks on Iran, only that the base is strategically important and discussions about its use continue. The claim mixes accurate elements of Trump’s criticism and the leaseback arrangement with unverified assertions about operational impacts on US military actions.
Sources
Reports Trump’s criticism of the lease deal but lacks proof of “giving away for free” or operational impact.
Similar to Bron 1, repeats Trump’s negative stance without confirming military consequences.
Notes UK has not given permission for RAF bases use in Iran strikes, implying operational limitations.
Covers Trump’s warnings about the deal’s risks but no direct link to halting US attacks.
Suggests Trump was initially inclined to support the deal, contradicting the claim of recent harsh criticism.
Shows Trump blasting the deal but does not confirm the claim about attack launches.
Documents Trump calling the deal “stupid” but no evidence of free handover or operational stoppage.
Discusses strategic importance and Trump’s critique but no confirmation of attack disruption.
Details the leaseback arrangement and Trump’s criticism, no proof of operational impact.
Mentions ongoing US-UK talks on base use for Iran strikes, no confirmation of stoppage.
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