The Fortress We Gave Away
The Atlantic
March 2, 2026
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The U.S.-U.K. alliance faces strain as Britain moves toward transferring Diego Garcia, a strategically vital Indian Ocean military base, to Mauritius under a controversial treaty. Originally established in 1966, the agreement allowed the U.S. to use Diego Garcia for military operations while Britain retained nominal control. However, recent developments signal a potential shift: Mauritius would gain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, except for Diego Garcia itself, which would remain under British lease for 99 years. This move has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it undermines U.S. security interests and weakens the transatlantic partnership.
Diego Garcia is a critical hub for U.S. military operations in the Middle East and beyond, offering long airstrips and naval facilities. The base played a key role in airstrikes against Iran, but its future now hangs in balance due to Britain’s plan to cede control of the broader archipelago to Mauritius. While proponents argue the treaty
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 3/2/2026