Trump Eyes Return to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan: What’s Behind the Move?
US President Donald Trump has once again voiced his interest in reclaiming the strategic Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. This comes four years after American-led forces pulled out from the base, located just 60 km north of Kabul. Trump’s comments highlight ongoing US-Afghanistan tensions and the potential revival of military ties in the region.
Trump first floated this idea earlier, likely after in-depth discussions with his advisors and detailed briefings. Remember, during his first term, Trump oversaw the signing of the ‘Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan’ with the Taliban in Doha on February 29, 2020. That deal paved the way for US troops to withdraw, but things took a dramatic turn in 2021 when the Taliban swiftly regained control of Kabul following the hasty exit of US-led forces.
Hours after Trump’s latest statement, Zakir Jalaly, a director at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, fired back on X (formerly Twitter). He stressed that Afghanistan and the US should build economic and political relations based on mutual respect and shared interests—but without any US military footprint. "Military presence has never been accepted by Afghans throughout history," Jalaly said, pointing to the Doha agreement that explicitly ruled out such a scenario. Still, he left the door open for more talks.
For the US, Bagram holds huge strategic value as a key hub for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It could help monitor activities across South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, support counter-terrorism operations, and serve as a quick-response base with airlift and refueling capabilities. Experts see it as a forward platform to keep tabs on regional threats.
This isn’t the first whisper of US activity at Bagram. Back in April, reports surfaced about a US military aircraft flying under radio silence from Doha toward Afghanistan. Trackers spotted it near the base, fueling speculation of a secret visit or temporary US presence. However, the Taliban quickly denied it, calling the claims false propaganda and insisting they haven’t handed over Bagram or allowed US personnel to land. Some analysts dismissed the sightings as possible misinformation or a psychological ploy, citing odd flight data and no solid evidence.
Reclaiming Bagram wouldn’t be straightforward for the US. It would demand smart diplomacy and leverage, not just a military push. The base’s isolation in a landlocked country means billions in costs for repairs, refurbishments, resupply, and ongoing defense. Picture this: constant patrols to secure a massive perimeter against rocket attacks, mortar fire, and infiltrations from insurgents and militants. Plus, sustaining forces there would require heavy logistics and long-term protection.
China is watching closely too. Beijing’s English-language media in mainland China and Hong Kong labeled Trump’s remarks as geopolitically sensitive. The Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province links directly to China’s Xinjiang region, home to the Uyghur community pushing for independence. Analysts warn that any US military return to Bagram could rattle regional security and heighten US-China rivalry, with Beijing viewing it as a destabilizing move in Central Asia.
As Trump weighs this bold step, the world waits to see if it leads to real action or stays in the realm of rhetoric. The Afghanistan-US relationship remains a hot topic, blending history, strategy, and global power plays.
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