US President Threatens Afghanistan with "Bad Things" Over Bagram Air Base
US President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Afghanistan, demanding the return of the Bagram Air Base and warning of unspecified severe consequences if the Taliban-controlled country does not comply. Trump stated he is actively "trying to get it back," citing its strategic proximity to China. The threat, made on his Truth Social platform, escalates rhetoric surrounding the former linchpin of the US war effort in Afghanistan, which was evacuated during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal.
Unpacked:
Bagram Air Base is valued for its size, advanced facilities, and especially its location near China, Russia, and Central Asia. It offers a platform for military operations, intelligence gathering, rapid deployment, and monitoring regional powers, making it a key asset in US regional strategy and the broader US-China rivalry.
The US departure from Bagram in July 2021 symbolized the end of America's 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. It marked a major shift in regional power dynamics, reduced US influence in Central Asia, and raised concerns about counterterrorism capabilities and regional stability.
As of now, the Taliban has not indicated any willingness to return Bagram Air Base to the US. The Taliban government views Bagram as part of Afghanistan’s sovereign territory, and there has been no official engagement or negotiations on this demand reported.
A renewed US presence at Bagram could heighten tensions with China, which sees a US base near its border as a security threat. It may also affect regional balances, prompting concerns from Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, and could complicate diplomatic relations in Central Asia.