Trump says the US is working to reclaim control of Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase, citing its proximity to China’s nuclear sites.
Trump calls Bagram “one of the biggest airbases in the world” and says he wants it back for strategic leverage.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States is seeking to reclaim control of Afghanistan’s Bagram Airfield, describing the effort as “little breaking news” during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“We gave it to them for nothing. We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us. We want that base back,” Trump said. “One of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
The Taliban currently controls Bagram following the US withdrawal in 2021, raising questions about what concessions Washington might offer in return. Analysts suggest potential demands could include foreign aid, diplomatic recognition, or military assistance.
Trump linked his push for Bagram to broader geopolitical strategy, while again criticizing President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan exit. He called the withdrawal a “total disaster” and reiterated that his administration planned to leave “with strength and dignity.”