**Why Trump Wants the US to Reclaim Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025 | 04:04 PM*
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**What’s the Story?**
United States President Donald Trump has called for the return of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. “We’re talking now to Afghanistan, and we want it back, and we want it back soon,” he said.
The base, once a key US military installation, fell into Taliban hands following the US withdrawal in 2021. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump also warned Afghanistan of “bad things” if they did not relent to his demand.
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**Geopolitical Importance**
**Strategic Location of Bagram Air Base**
Located about 60 km north of Kabul, Bagram Air Base serves as a strategic hub connecting Iran, Pakistan, Central Asia, and China’s Xinjiang province. Its position makes it an ideal launchpad for US military operations in nearly any direction.
The base boasts two major runways, one nearly 12,000 feet (3,650 meters) long, capable of accommodating heavy bombers and large cargo planes.
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**Regional Surveillance: Monitoring China, Russia, and Iran**
Trump highlighted the base’s proximity to key regions, stating, “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.” This close location would allow the US a strategic advantage in monitoring Chinese military developments.
Moreover, Bagram would enable Washington to keep a close watch on Russian activities in Central Asia and monitor Iranian movements to the west.
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**Economic Influence**
Beyond its military value, Bagram is strategically positioned near emerging trade corridors and in a region rich in untapped mineral resources. According to the Economic Times, control over Bagram could influence critical economic routes that China and Russia aim to secure.
The presence of US troops at the base would also bolster regional counterterrorism efforts, further increasing its strategic value.
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**Symbolic Significance**
The official US withdrawal from Bagram Air Base in July 2021 marked a symbolic end to America’s 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. Any effort to return faces significant challenges, including obtaining Afghan government approval and managing complex logistics.
Despite these obstacles, Trump’s push to regain control of Bagram underscores its enduring importance in America’s global security strategy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-warns-afghanistan-to-return-bagram-airbase/story
