Trump threatens Afghanistan over Bagram Air Base

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 05:49
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US President Donald Trump warns Afghanistan to "return" Bagram Air Base or face consequences.

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United States President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before departing the White House, on September 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

US President Donald Trump issued a direct threat to Afghanistan, warning that “bad things are going to happen” if the country does not return the Bagram Air Base to Washington.

“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Later, Trump spoke to reporters, saying that Washington wants Bagram “back soon, right away,” adding that he is currently in talks with Afghanistan. Trump repeated his threats, stressing “if they don't do it, you're gonna find out what I am going to do.”

The US president’s threats remain vague, with Trump offering no further clarity on what actions Washington might take.

Earlier this week, Trump emphasized the base’s strategic location, noting that it is “exactly one hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” and declared that he wants the US to “take back” the facility.

Taliban: sovereignty is a red line

Taliban officials rejected Trump’s previous remarks on Bargam, stressing that Afghanistan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. Spokesmen said the proposal for the US to retake Bagram was “unacceptable,” though they expressed openness to future political and economic dialogue with Washington.

Taliban representatives also dismissed Trump’s claims that China has a military presence at Bagram, calling such statements unfounded. They underlined that the air base remains under Afghan control and that no foreign powers have authority over its use.

Bagram’s strategic importance

Bagram Air Base, located just north of Kabul, served as the largest hub for US forces during the two-decade war on Afghanistan. It was critical for air operations, logistics, and counterterrorism campaigns.

The United States fully withdrew from Bagram in August 2021 during the chaotic end of its military presence in Afghanistan under former US President Joe Biden. Trump has repeatedly criticized the withdrawal, calling it a “disaster” and insisting that Bagram should never have been relinquished. His renewed push to reclaim the facility comes amid wider US efforts to expand or reactivate overseas bases, particularly in Asia. Analysts say that any attempt to retake or control Bagram would require extensive military resources, including the redeployment of up to 10,000 troops, and risk drawing Washington into direct confrontation in a country where it has already fought an extensive and costly war.