U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited interest in reclaiming Bagram air base in Afghanistan, a move experts warn could resemble a full-scale re-invasion. Speaking in London, Trump emphasized the base’s strategic location near China, claiming it is “an hour away” from where Beijing develops nuclear weapons.
Bagram, once the largest U.S. military hub during the two-decade Afghan war, was abandoned in 2021 during the U.S. withdrawal. Trump has long expressed interest in maintaining or acquiring overseas assets, from the Panama Canal to Greenland, and hinted that the Taliban might permit a return to Bagram. However, analysts say such consent remains highly unlikely given the group’s long struggle to expel American forces.
Current and former U.S. officials stress that retaking Bagram would require tens of thousands of troops, advanced air defenses, and massive resources to rebuild and resupply the base in landlocked Afghanistan. Beyond restoring its infrastructure, securing its vast perimeter would be critical to defend against rocket attacks, Islamic State fighters, al Qaeda remnants, and even potential missile strikes from Iran.
One official noted, “I don’t see how this can realistically happen,” while a former defense leader downplayed Trump’s argument about its proximity to China, saying the risks outweigh any strategic benefit.
The airfield once featured fast-food outlets, shops, and a large prison, symbolizing America’s long military presence. Yet experts caution that renewed occupation would expose U.S. forces to escalating regional threats without offering significant military advantages.
Trump has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden for relinquishing Bagram, despite his own 2020 deal with the Taliban mandating a full U.S. withdrawal. His comments come as the Pentagon reviews the chaotic 2021 exit, widely viewed as a distraction from broader strategic priorities like countering China’s influence.