U.S. in Talks with Afghanistan to Restore Bagram Air Base, Trump Says
"We'll see what happens with Bagram. We're talking to Afghanistan. It should have never been given up," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
According to reporting by a news agency, which referenced an unnamed American government source, the current administration has initiated exploratory conversations with Taliban leadership. These negotiations are being spearheaded by Adam Boehler, who serves as the special envoy for hostage affairs, and encompass potential detainee swaps, financial agreements, and security-related matters.
"There was no reason to give it up ... We were going to keep Bagram, the air base," said Trump.
The Bagram facility, situated to the north of Afghanistan's capital city, represented America's most significant military compound throughout the two-decade conflict before the complete American departure in 2021.
Trump characterized Afghanistan's evacuation as "the most embarrassing day in the history of our country."
"We gave it up for nothing. There was no reason to give it up. We weren't going to leave Bagram," he said.
During Thursday's statements, Trump disclosed that his government is working to negotiate the airfield's return from Taliban control, although detailed information about these previously confidential discussions remains limited.
Trump explained that his drive to regain access to the installation stems partly from its strategic location near a facility where China manufactures nuclear armaments. He expressed regret that American oversight of Bagram was relinquished during the withdrawal overseen by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
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