Trump Wants Bagram Air Base Back from Taliban

By-prashant jainIn a surprising statement, US President Donald Trump said America is working to regain control of the Bagram air base in Afghanistan from the Taliban. He made these comments on September 18, 2025, during a joint news conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Buckinghamshire, England.

At UK press meet, Trump slams Biden’s 2021 withdrawal, calls Bagram vital near China, hints at leveraging Taliban ties

Trump went off script and spoke strongly. “We were going to leave Afghanistan, but we were going to leave it with strength and dignity, and we were going to keep Bagram, the big air base, one of the biggest in the world,” he said. “We gave it to them for nothing. We’re trying to get it back, by the way.” He repeated the idea several times, stressing its location near China. “We want that base back,” he added.This remark shocked many. It revives talk about the US pullout from Afghanistan in 2021.What Makes Bagram Special?Bagram airfield is not just any base. The Soviet Union built it in the 1950s. After the 2001 attacks, the US took it over and made it huge. For 20 years, it was the center of US operations in the war against terror.Its spot is key: Only 40 miles north of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital. It is close to Central Asia, Iran, and western China. This lets planes reach far quickly.The base has two runways, one 3,500 meters long for big jets. It includes strong shelters for aircraft, large hangars, a prison, and room for thousands of troops. It stood as a sign of US strength in South Asia.US forces left Bagram in July 2021, weeks before Kabul fell to the Taliban. Afghan troops held it briefly, but the Taliban took over fast. Today, they control it fully.Trump Blames BidenTrump’s words were a clear attack on his successor, Joe Biden. He has long called the 2021 withdrawal “chaotic” and “stupid.” Trump claims he planned a better exit: End the war but keep Bagram.”We gave it away without getting anything,” Trump said. His comments hint that, even now, the US might reclaim it.Is It Possible to Get Back?Reclaiming Bagram is tricky. The US would need an agreement with the Taliban, who see it as their win. Trump suggested using leverage. “They need things from us,” he said, like aid or eased rules.Possible deals could be:- Humanitarian help or money, such as releasing frozen Afghan funds.- Safety promises for Taliban aid against terror groups.- Links to lifting economic sanctions.Yet, this would spark outrage in the US. Many view the Taliban as enemies. NATO allies might see it as a step back.The China AngleTrump linked Bagram to China often. The base is nearer to China’s Xinjiang region than many US spots in the Pacific. It could help spy on movements, show force, and block China’s Belt and Road projects nearby.Talks say China eyed Bagram after the US left, but nothing is proven. A US return would counter Beijing’s growing role in Afghanistan.Effects on the RegionIf the US moves in, it shakes things up:- It challenges the Taliban to trade land for world acceptance.- China, Iran, and Russia would feel threatened.- India and Pakistan, both tied to Afghanistan, could face strains. India backed the old regime; Pakistan has Taliban links.Trump’s words spotlight a forgotten base. After 2021, most moved on. Now, it questions if the US truly left Afghanistan behind.Bagram’s Past RoleDuring the war, Bagram hosted 10,000 troops at peak. Planes took off for missions. It held prisoners, including some from Guantanamo. Its loss hurt US plans.Today, the Taliban uses it for their air force, small as it is. Runways need fixes after years of use.Expert ViewsSome say Bagram’s place is perfect for border watch. It aids against new threats like from China or extremists.Others warn of risks. Trusting the Taliban could fail. The base might cost too much to rebuild.US PoliticsIn Washington, this divides parties. Trump fans see it as bold. Critics call it reckless, reopening old fights.Trump uses such talk to look tough on world issues, like with trade or borders.Allied ReactionsStarmer stayed quiet on Bagram. The UK lost troops in Afghanistan too. Europe wants stability, not bases.NATO might debate it, fearing more conflict.India and PakistanIndia worries about Taliban rule hurting women and minorities. A US base could help balance Pakistan’s sway.Pakistan fears US return stirs unrest on its border.China’s WorryWith investments in Afghan mines and roads, China sees Bagram as a threat. It might speed up its own plans.Quiet Talks?Trump said “trying,” so secret steps may be underway. Maybe through Qatar or others who talk to Taliban.Afghan StrugglesLife under Taliban is tough. Economy stalls without aid. Banks lack cash. A base deal might bring relief, but many prefer pure help over military ties.Trump’s Bold WayTrump loves surprise lines, like on TikTok or TV critics. This fits: Grabs headlines, shows power.But is it plan or boast? Time will tell.In end, Bagram tale shows Afghanistan lingers for US. Trump seeks might, but road is rough. World eyes next move. Will strength win back the base?By ANW World Desk
Published: September 19, 2025