Chequers, United Kingdom: US President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested another round of American involvement in Afghanistan, saying he was working to “get back” Bagram airbase, which the US abandoned after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

“We're trying to get it back, by the way, that could be a little breaking news. We're trying to get it back because they need things from us. We want that base back,” Trump said at a press conference alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

What is Bagram Air Base?

Bagram Air Base (BAF), located 11 kilometres southeast of Charikar in Afghanistan’s Parwan Province, is a major military airfield under the Afghan Ministry of Defence. Sitting at an elevation of 1,492 metres, the base features two concrete runways capable of handling large military aircraft.

Formerly the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, Bagram was staffed by the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and rotating U.S. and coalition forces. The Americans expanded and modernised the base over the years, connecting it to Kabul International Airport via two main roads. On 15 August 2021, Bagram fell to Taliban forces following the surrender of the Afghan National Army, marking the end of a two-decade-long U.S. military presence there.

Trump meets Keir Starmer

After a day filled with royal pomp and pageantry, President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, the final day of the U.S. leader’s state visit to Britain.

The two leaders inked a major deal on tech investment that officials say will bring thousands of jobs and billions in investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy.

They are also expected to discuss steel tariffs and potentially tricky topics, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

On Wednesday, the president and first lady, Melania Trump, were feted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle with gold-trimmed carriages, scarlet-clad soldiers, artillery salutes and a lavish banquet in a grand hall.

No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honour of a second U.K. state visit.