Washington, Sep 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump announced that his administration is making efforts to reclaim Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, citing its strategic significance due to its closeness to China's nuclear sites. “We are actively working to regain control of the base. We see its value because they rely on us for various needs. It’s crucial for us to have that base back, especially since it’s located just an hour from China's nuclear weapons manufacturing area,” Trump stated in a press briefing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, United Kingdom.

Trump disclosed this initiative four years post the tumultuous withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. He reiterated his criticism of the prior Biden administration, labeling the Afghanistan situation a “disaster” and connecting it to ongoing events in Ukraine.

“Putin would not have acted as he did if he respected US leadership,” Trump remarked.

Bagram, situated 44 kilometers north of Kabul, was the largest US military installation in Afghanistan and served as the operational hub throughout the 20-year US engagement in the region.

This isn't the first time Trump has brought up Bagram. Previously in March, he alleged that Beijing had control over the base.

“While we were preparing to exit, we intended to maintain Bagram, not solely for the sake of Afghanistan but because of its proximity to China’s nuclear missile production. Currently, it’s under the occupation of China,” he mentioned.

At that time, the Taliban dismissed these claims. “Bagram is under the control of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban regime), not China. There are no Chinese troops here, nor do we have any agreements with any nation,” stated Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on state media.