The United States is seeking to retake control of Bagram airbase from the Taliban,Trump has said, bringing back a key strategic asset that was surrendered during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The US president suggested he was negotiating with the Taliban for American forces to once again occupy the base, formerly the largest US military site in the country, and an important regional foothold because of its proximity to China.
His comments about China will alarm western allies, who have been watching the relationship between the two superpowers carefully, amid fears that heightened tensions could lead to further economic turbulence, and even military skirmishes.
During a joint press conference with Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, as he wrapped up a visit to the UK, the US president said: “One of the biggest airbases in the world. We gave it to them for nothing. We’re trying to get it back, by the way.
