President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that “bad things” will occur if Afghanistan does not return Bagram Air Base to the United States. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” He emphasized that the U.S. had sought to regain control of the base, which was used by American forces following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Trump told reporters that discussions with Afghan officials about the matter were ongoing. The 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops led to the Taliban seizing U.S.-held bases and toppling the Kabul government. Afghan leaders have resisted any attempt to reestablish a U.S. presence, while current and former American officials caution that reclaiming Bagram could resemble a full-scale invasion, requiring thousands of troops and advanced military infrastructure.
“We were going to leave Afghanistan with strength and dignity. We were going to keep Bagram, the big air base,” Trump said, adding, “We gave it to them for nothing. We tried to get it back.” He cited strategic concerns, noting that the base is “an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
Afghan officials have dismissed negotiations over sovereignty, asserting that no portion of their territory can be discussed. Trump reiterated his demand for the base’s return, stating, “We want it back, and we want it back right away. If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m going to do.” When asked about deploying troops to reclaim the site, he refused to elaborate.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected Trump’s claims, urging the U.S. to adopt a “policy of realism and rationality.” He highlighted Afghanistan’s commitment to maintaining independence and territorial integrity in all bilateral talks.