Trump Seeks Return of Bagram Base from Taliban Amid UK Visit

LONDON — President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States is working to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, during a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He stressed the base’s strategic location near China and declared: “We want that base back.”
Bagram once served as the central hub for U.S. military and air operations in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, up until the U.S. and NATO withdrawal in 2021, which led to its takeover by the Taliban. The facility includes its runways, barracks, control towers, and a hospital.
The announcement came alongside a broader diplomatic gathering, where Trump and Starmer signed a major tech investment deal, described by Britain as the biggest of its kind in UK history. The agreement covers artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy sectors. Trump described the U.S.-UK relationship as an “unbreakable bond,” regardless of policy differences.
At the same time, Trump revealed a rare divergence with Starmer over recognizing a Palestinian state. He expressed disagreement, though emphasized mutual interest in peace. Starmer reiterated his position, saying the timing of recognition was settled previously and would not be dictated by foreign visits.