UK-Mauritius Treaty Raises Questions Over Military Use of Diego Garcia
As discussions intensify around potential US-led military action against Iran, attention has turned to the strategic Diego Garcia island in the Chagos archipelago. Now under a sovereignty agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, this base has become central to debates about notification requirements and operational secrecy.
Background: Sovereignty Transfer and Military Presence
Recently, the UK formally transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius but retained a lease for Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years. This island hosts a vital joint military base used extensively by both British and American forces.
Given the base’s capacity—it supports submarines, naval vessels, fighter jets, and strategic bombers—it remains a pivotal launching point for operations in the region. Notably, the US stationed B-2 stealth bombers there earlier this year, aircraft capable of executing precision strikes on deeply sheltered targets.
Legal Ambiguities: Notification to Mauritius?
The treaty contains language requiring the UK to "expeditiously inform Mauritius of any armed attack on a third state directly emanating from the base on Diego Garcia." However, interpretations differ on whether this notification must precede or follow any military action.
Officials from the UK government maintain that notification to Mauritius will occur only after any operation concludes, asserting no obligation exists to provide advance notice. Conversely, international legal experts and some analysts argue that the treaty’s wording is vague enough to allow Mauritius to expect prior notification, potentially complicating swift military responses.
Despite these contentions, the UK government reportedly has no plans to notify Mauritius before launching any attack. Furthermore, Mauritius holds no veto rights over military operations conducted from Diego Garcia, preserving operational independence for UK and US forces.
Potential US Strikes on Iran: The Role of Diego Garcia
In the face of escalating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, US officials have signaled readiness to strike Tehran’s underground facilities should diplomatic efforts fail. The primary target is believed to be the Fordow nuclear site, embedded within a mountain roughly 100 meters underground.
Only specialized “bunker buster” munitions, deployable via the B-2 bomber or a modified C-130 aircraft, are capable of penetrating such deeply fortified locations. With multiple B-2 bombers already stationed at Diego Garcia, the base is well-positioned to support precision airstrikes.
Implications for Regional Diplomacy and Security
The UK’s balancing act—maintaining strategic military alliances while honoring commitments to Mauritius—raises important questions about sovereignty and transparency. Should military actions proceed without prior notification, tensions between involved parties may arise, putting strain on diplomatic relations in the Indian Ocean region.
As the situation evolves, the implications of this treaty will continue to draw scrutiny from legal experts, policymakers, and international observers alike.
