**Why Trump Wants 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 after 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**
Bagram Air Base is situated about 60 km north of Kabul, making it a strategic hub that connects Iran, Pakistan, Central Asia, and China’s Xinjiang province. This prime location makes it an ideal launchpad for US military operations in almost any direction. The base is equipped with two major runways, including one nearly 12,000 feet (3,650 meters) long, capable of accommodating heavy bombers and cargo planes.
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**Regional Surveillance**
Monitoring China, Russia, and Iran
Trump highlighted the base’s strategic significance, stating, “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.” Its proximity offers the US a valuable advantage in monitoring Chinese military developments. Additionally, the base would enable Washington to track Russian activities in Central Asia and Iranian movements to the west.
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**Economic Influence**
**Economic Significance**
Beyond its military value, Bagram is located near emerging trade corridors and a region rich in untapped minerals. According to the Economic Times, whoever controls Bagram can influence economic routes that China and Russia aim to secure. The presence of US troops would also strengthen regional counterterrorism efforts, enhancing the base’s overall strategic importance.
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**Symbolic Significance**
**Challenges in Returning to Bagram**
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 obtaining Afghan approval and managing complex logistics. Despite these challenges, Trump’s push to regain control of Bagram underscores its critical role in America’s global security strategy.
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Bagram Air Base remains a focal point in the geopolitical chessboard, reflecting not only military interests but also economic and symbolic stakes in the region. Reclaiming it would mark a notable shift in US foreign policy and regional engagement.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-warns-afghanistan-to-return-bagram-airbase/story