US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Washington is working to reclaim control of the Bagram air base in Afghanistan, raising the prospect of American troops returning nearly four years after the withdrawal.
At a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump called the facility strategically crucial because of its location near China. 
&ldquo;We want that base back&hellip; it&rsquo;s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,&rdquo; he said.
Bagram, once the largest US military base in Afghanistan, was vacated in 2021 during the American exit as the Taliban seized power. 
Trump criticised former president Joe Biden, saying the base was &ldquo;given away for nothing.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We were going to leave Afghanistan, but with strength and dignity. We planned to hold onto Bagram &mdash; one of the biggest air bases in the world,&rdquo; Trump said, adding, &ldquo;You can land anything there&hellip; even a planet.&rdquo;
Although Trump suggested talks are ongoing, Washington has not officially clarified any moves to retake the base. 
The original withdrawal agreement was signed under Trump&rsquo;s administration but executed during Biden&rsquo;s tenure.
The remarks signal one of Trump&rsquo;s clearest indications yet that the US may attempt to re-establish a presence in Afghanistan, citing growing security concerns tied to China&rsquo;s nuclear programme.

Trump vows return to Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase

Trump calls Bagram base vital, hints at renewed US presence near China’s nuclear sites

Trump Plans To Reclaim Bagram Base In Afghanistan

Trump calls Bagram base vital, hints at renewed US presence near China’s nuclear sites

September 19, 2025 | 10:17 IST