Trump Seeks Return of Bagram Base From Taliban
At a joint news conference in the UK, President Donald Trump said the United States is trying to reclaim control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which was handed over to Afghan forces and later came under Taliban control following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
Strategic Reason Cited
Trump emphasized Bagram’s strategic importance, saying it is located close to China’s nuclear facilities. He criticized the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, arguing that the base should not have been left “for nothing,” and said the U.S. “would keep Bagram … with strength and dignity.”
Taliban Reactions & Details Lacking
It remains unclear whether formal negotiations have begun or what role the Taliban might play in such plans. The Taliban have previously rejected foreign military presence in Afghanistan and have stated that Bagram is under Afghan control. No formal agreement or plan has been disclosed by the U.S. government or military authorities.
