**Why Trump Wants the US to Reclaim Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025, 4:04 PM*
**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 after the US withdrawal in 2021. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also warned Afghanistan of “bad things” if they did not relent to his demand.
**Geopolitical Importance**
**Strategic Location of Bagram Air Base**
Bagram Air Base is located about 60 kilometers north of Kabul, making it a strategic hub connecting Iran, Pakistan, Central Asia, and China’s Xinjiang province. This location makes it an ideal launchpad for US military operations in multiple directions.
The base features two major runways, one nearly 12,000 feet (3,650 meters) long, capable of accommodating heavy bombers and cargo planes.
**Regional Surveillance: Monitoring China, Russia, and Iran**
“It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” Trump noted earlier this week. This proximity could give the US a strategic advantage in monitoring Chinese military developments.
Additionally, the base would enable Washington to keep a close watch on Russian activities in Central Asia as well as Iranian movements to the west.
**Economic Influence**
Beyond military significance, Bagram’s location near emerging trade corridors and mineral-rich regions adds to its strategic value. According to the Economic Times, whoever controls Bagram can influence vital economic routes that China and Russia aim to secure.
The presence of US troops at Bagram could also bolster regional counterterrorism efforts, further enhancing its importance.
**Symbolic Significance and Challenges**
The official US withdrawal from Bagram Air Base in July 2021 marked a symbolic end to America’s 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. However, any attempt to reclaim the base would face significant hurdles, including securing Afghan government approval and overcoming complex logistical challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Trump’s push for Bagram underscores its critical role in America’s global security posture.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-warns-afghanistan-to-return-bagram-airbase/story
