US President Donald Trump has demanded that Afghanistan hand back control of the strategic Bagram Air Base to Washington, warning the Taliban government that “bad things are going to happen” if it refuses.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”
The base, once a cornerstone of US military operations, has remained under Taliban control since American troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump has long argued that the US should have retained the facility, citing its location near the China-Afghanistan border as strategically vital.
During a recent visit to London, Trump reiterated this stance alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “We were going to leave Afghanistan with strength and dignity, but we were going to keep Bagram—the big air base, one of the biggest in the world. We gave it away for nothing. We’re trying to get it back, by the way,” he said.
According to Tolo News, several members of the US Congress support Trump’s push, calling his demand both strategic and necessary.
China, however, dismissed Trump’s remarks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that “Afghanistan’s future should be decided by its people” and urged all parties to avoid fueling confrontation.
Afghanistan has also pushed back firmly. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated, “Not even an inch of Afghan soil is acceptable for foreign military presence. This message must reach President Trump and others.” Zakir Jalaly, a senior Foreign Ministry official, added that while Afghans reject foreign military presence, “the door to political and economic engagement remains open.”
The debate over Bagram comes amid warnings from Russia that the US may be seeking ways to re-establish a military foothold in Afghanistan, raising concerns over renewed geopolitical tensions in the region.
