LONDON/USA: In a move that has sparked global debate, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Washington is working to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan — a facility that once served as the nerve center of American and NATO military operations for two decades. The announcement came during Trump’s joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where he strongly criticized the 2021 U.S. withdrawal, terming it a “total disaster.”
Trump underscored the importance of Bagram, calling it “one of the biggest air bases in the world” and highlighting its strategic proximity to regions where China is believed to be expanding its nuclear capabilities. He vowed that under his leadership, the United States is determined to reclaim the base, insisting: “We want that base back.”
Bagram, situated about 40 miles north of Kabul, was abandoned in July 2021 and subsequently fell under Taliban control. Trump’s latest remarks suggest that his administration may already be exploring potential negotiations or mechanisms to restore American control.
The declaration carries far-reaching geopolitical implications. For Washington, regaining Bagram would not only reassert U.S. influence in Afghanistan but also serve as a direct counterbalance to China’s growing regional footprint. However, the path ahead is far from simple. Reclaiming the air base would involve complicated talks with the Taliban, international pushback, and questions surrounding Afghan sovereignty.
While Trump did not provide details of how such a move might be executed, his statement has already stirred strong reactions in diplomatic circles. Analysts suggest that if the U.S. succeeds, it could redefine security dynamics in South and Central Asia. For now, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s bold words will translate into action.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.