US President Donald Trump has threatened Afghanistan with “bad things” if it refuses to hand over the Bagram Airbase to Washington. Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed the United States had built the base and demanded its return.
The Taliban-led government rejected his call, saying Afghanistan seeks political and economic ties with the US but will not allow any foreign military presence. Afghan official Zakir Jalal said talks must be based on “mutual respect and shared interests.”
Historians quickly corrected Trump’s claim. Analysts pointed out that the Soviet Union built Bagram in the 1950s. During the Soviet invasion from 1979 to 1989, it became a key hub for air operations against Mujahideen fighters.
The US took control of Bagram after 2001, turning it into its largest military base in Afghanistan. For nearly 20 years, the site served as a strategic hub with runways, barracks, hospitals, and detention facilities. US forces abandoned it overnight in July 2021 before the Taliban takeover.
Trump has repeatedly criticised the loss of Bagram and hinted at new pressure tactics. He declined to say whether military action is on the table but vowed Afghanistan would “find out” if it resists.
