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Trump demanded that Afghanistan return control of the Bagram Airbase to the United States “soon”, warning of “bad things” if the Taliban did not agree.
Bagram has been the key airbase of NATO forces in Afghanistan for two decades. The base was handed over to the Afghan military shortly before the Taliban took over Afghanistan.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan rejected US President Donald Trump’s bid to retake Bagram Air Base, four years after the chaotic US withdrawal that left the military facility in Taliban hands. This came after Trump demanded that Afghanistan return control of the Bagram Airbase to Washington “soon.”
The US President had earlier hinted that the Taliban could be open to allowing the US military back, as it was struggling with an economic crisis and internal rifts. However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief Taliban spokesperson, rejected Trump’s claims and called on the US to adopt a policy of “realism and rationality.”
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“In accordance with Islamic principles and grounded in its balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks constructive relations with all states on the basis of mutual and shared interests,” the Afghanistan government said in an official statement.
“It should be recalled that, under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that “it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor interfere in its internal affairs.” Therefore, it is necessary that they remain faithful to their commitments,” it added, noting the importance of Afghan independence and territorial integrity.
Afghanistan underscored that “rather than repeating past failed approaches, a policy of realism and rationality should be adopted.”
Trump’s Warning To Taliban
Meanwhile, Trump took to social media to caution the militant group now ruling Afghanistan, reminding them that he had overseen the US troop withdrawal deal in 2021 during his first term. He said “bad things” would follow if Bagram Airbase was not handed over to the United States.
“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!! President DJT,” he posted on Truth Social.
The Bagram Airbase, built by the Soviets and later expanded by the US after 2001, was the largest American military installation in Afghanistan. It served as a hub for air operations, intelligence and logistics throughout the war. Its strategic location near Kabul makes it a valuable asset for projecting power in South and Central Asia.
The US had earlier handed the base to the Afghan military, but the civilian government’s rule was short-lived as the Taliban wrested control of the country soon after the US troop withdrawal. In August last year, the Taliban celebrated the third anniversary of their takeover at Bagram with a grand military display of abandoned US hardware, catching the eye of the White House.
The US President has also claimed that China has since established a presence at the base, which lies north of Kabul.
(with inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
Kabul, Afghanistan
September 21, 2025, 17:50 IST
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