Overview

• At a UK press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Trump said the U.S. is seeking to regain Bagram, citing its proximity to Chinese nuclear and missile sites.
• CNN reports Trump has pressed national security aides since at least March to find options for Bagram, viewing it as useful for China surveillance, counterterrorism, mining access, and possible diplomatic presence.
• An Afghan foreign ministry official publicly ruled out any U.S. military presence, and Taliban spokesmen have denied Chinese control or troops at the base.
• U.S. officials have offered no details on negotiations or an operational approach, and one U.S. official told Reuters there is no active planning to militarily seize the facility.
• Current and former military officials and analysts say retaking and holding Bagram would require a major troop commitment with high risks, even as limited U.S.–Taliban contacts continue over detainee issues.