President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings 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!!!”

Trump claimed the U.S. had sought to regain control of the base, which was used by American forces after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He told reporters he was engaging with Afghan officials about the matter. The 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops led to the Taliban seizing U.S. bases and toppling the Kabul government. Afghan authorities have resisted discussions about a renewed American presence.

U.S. officials, both current and former, have cautioned that reoccupying Bagram could resemble a “re-invasion,” requiring over 10,000 troops and advanced air defenses. Trump asserted, “We were going to leave Afghanistan. We were going to leave it with strength and dignity. We were going to keep Bagram, the big air base.” He added, “We gave it to them for nothing. We tried to get it back,” citing the base’s proximity to China’s nuclear facilities as a key motive.

Afghan officials have rejected negotiations over their sovereignty, stating no part of their territory is up for discussion. Trump reiterated calls to reclaim Bagram, claiming, “We want that base back right away. If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m going to do.” When pressed about deploying troops, he avoided specifics, saying, “We won’t talk about that.”

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed Trump’s claims, urging the U.S. to adopt a “policy of realism and rationality.” He emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to sovereignty and mutual interests in international relations.