U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened that “it will not be good” if Afghanistan does not return the Bagram Air Base to America.
“If Afghanistan does not rebuild and return the Bagram Air Base to the U.S., bad things will happen,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account on Saturday.
The U.S. invaded Afghanistan after al-Qaeda, sheltered by the Taliban regime, carried out the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Following the invasion and occupation, America built the Bagram Air Base as its key military hub. After U.S. troops withdrew in 2021, the Taliban once again took power in Afghanistan, and all former American military bases there are now under Taliban control.
Calls to Reclaim Bagram Stir Debate
Trump, who had already stated on Thursday that he intended to reclaim Bagram, reiterated his stance over the weekend. However, the Afghan government strongly opposes any return of U.S. troops.
According to current and former U.S. officials cited by Reuters, retaking Bagram would require deploying more than 10,000 soldiers and powerful air defense systems—an act that could resemble another invasion of Afghanistan. Despite these warnings, Trump remains focused on regaining control of the base, even as he has issued similar threats about seizing assets from the Panama Canal to Greenland if elected for a second term.
When asked by reporters on Saturday whether he planned to send U.S. forces to reclaim the base, Trump avoided a direct answer. “We’re not going to talk about that right now,” he said. “We are in talks with Afghanistan, and we want it returned. We want it soon, immediately. If they don’t do it, you will know what I will do,” he added from the White House.
Strategic Importance and Security Risks
For two decades, the massive Bagram Air Base served as the main U.S. military stronghold in Afghanistan. It once housed fast-food chains such as Burger King and Pizza Hut, shops selling electronics and other goods, as well as a large prison facility.
Its location near China gives the base significant strategic importance, which analysts believe is why Trump is so determined to reclaim it. However, experts warn that even if Afghanistan agreed to return the base, U.S. forces stationed there would face threats from terrorist groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda, as well as possible attacks from Iran. Maintaining control would therefore require deploying a large military force alongside advanced air defense systems.
