President Donald Trump has revealed that the United States is actively working to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, a strategic asset abandoned during the 2021 withdrawal that now remains under Taliban authority. During a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized the base’s critical location, noting its proximity to Chinese nuclear facilities as a primary motivator for the reacquisition effort. "We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us," Trump stated, alluding to potential leverage over the Taliban, though he provided no specifics on negotiations or operational plans.
The Strategic Importance of Bagram
Bagram Air Base, historically the central hub for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, offers significant strategic advantages due to its proximity to China’s western borders. Trump claimed the base is "an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons," a point he has reiterated since March 2025 to justify renewed interest in the region. The administration views the base as essential for surveillance, counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS, and access to Afghanistan’s rare earth mineral resources. However, any reestablishment of a U.S. presence would require navigating complex relations with the Taliban, who have struggled with economic crises and internal divisions since taking power.
The Afghanistan Withdrawal
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, executed under President Joe Biden, left Bagram Air Base and billions in military equipment in Taliban hands. Trump has consistently condemned this move as a "total disaster," arguing that his own administration’s withdrawal plan would have retained the base "with strength and dignity". The 2020 Trump-Taliban agreement mandated a full U.S. troop withdrawal but did not address Bagram’s status, highlighting the ambiguity in current efforts to reclaim it. The base’s infrastructure, including a massive runway capable of handling bombers and cargo planes, remains a prized asset for both military and logistical operations.
Taliban Relations
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. and Taliban have engaged in behind the scenes discussions, including prisoner exchanges and hostage negotiations. Trump’s special envoy, Adam Boehler, met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul earlier this year, signaling a tentative thaw in relations. The Taliban, seeking international legitimacy and economic support, may be open to negotiations, though their spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has denied any Chinese control over the base, asserting Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Trump’s leverage likely hinges on economic incentives, given the Taliban’s need for foreign aid and investment.
A U.S. Presence at Bagram
Reestablishing a U.S. presence at Bagram could reshape regional security dynamics, particularly amid rising tensions with China and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump’s announcement coincided with a U.K. state visit focused on strengthening tech partnerships, where he also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for "letting him down" on Ukraine. European allies may view the Bagram move as provocative, potentially escalating great power competition. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s willingness to cooperate remains uncertain, as any agreement could alienate hardline factions within the group.