U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States is seeking to retake the strategic Bagram Air Base from Taliban control, citing both the Taliban’s dependence on U.S. assistance and the base’s proximity to China’s nuclear sites.
Speaking at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, Trump said:
“We are trying to get it back, and this may be news. We want it back because they [the Taliban leaders] need things from us… One of the reasons we want this base is because it’s just an hour away from where China produces its nuclear weapons.”
Historical and Strategic Importance
Bagram, located about 40 kilometers from Kabul, was the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan and was originally constructed by the Soviets in the 1950s. More than 100,000 U.S. troops were stationed there at the height of America’s military involvement.
The base was handed over to the Afghan government in July 2021, shortly before the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces and the Taliban’s return to power. Trump previously criticized the loss of Bagram, describing it as “taken over by China” during the withdrawal.
Unclear Next Steps
Neither Trump nor U.S. officials provided specific details regarding how the U.S. might regain control of the base or whether formal negotiations with the Taliban have begun. The Taliban have not yet responded to Trump’s statement.
Analysts note that the Taliban, challenged by internal unrest, natural disasters, poverty, and terrorist attacks, have been attempting to improve international relations, with Russia being the only country to establish formal diplomatic ties so far. Western nations continue to emphasize that Afghanistan must improve human rights, particularly for women and girls, before receiving wider international recognition.
Bagram’s Role in U.S. Military History
Bagram played a critical role in U.S. and coalition operations in Afghanistan, and its recapture could have significant geostrategic implications. Trump emphasized the base’s size and strategic value:
“We would have left Afghanistan, but we would have left with force and dignity. We gave them Bagram—the largest airbase in the world—for nothing.”
