The United Kingdom has put its plan to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on hold, following objections from US President Donald Trump, a government spokesperson confirmed on Saturday. The islands are home to the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, which is central to US‑UK operations in the Indian Ocean.

Legislation intended to transfer sovereignty reportedly will not appear in the next parliamentary session. Officials said London will only move forward if Washington formally supports the agreement.

"We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base," the spokesperson said. "But we will proceed only with US backing and are continuing to engage with both the US and Mauritius.”

Trump has repeatedly criticized the deal, calling it a "big mistake" while previously suggesting it was the best outcome UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could achieve. Under the agreement, Britain would retain control of Diego Garcia on a 99-year lease, ensuring continued US operations.

The decision reflects ongoing tensions in the US-UK relationship, especially over military coordination and Middle East policy.

(Story compiled with input from agencies)