U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened sanctions against Afghanistan if the Taliban government does not “return” the Bagram Air Base to the United States, which American forces abandoned during their withdrawal in 2021.
“If Afghanistan does not return the Bagram Air Base to those who built it, the United States of America, serious things will happen,” Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social.
The president had raised the issue earlier this week during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the end of his official visit to the U.K.
“One of the reasons we want that base back is because, as you know, it is located just an hour away from where China produces its nuclear weapons,” Trump stated.
Possible Military Action
Asked on Saturday whether he intends to send U.S. troops to retake the base, Trump said Washington is currently negotiating with Afghanistan but emphasized that the U.S. wants to regain control of the base “quickly, immediately.”
“And if they do not return it, you will soon find out what I intend to do,” Trump warned.
Strategic Importance of Bagram
Located 50 kilometers from Kabul, Bagram Air Base was the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan. For two decades after the September 11, 2001 attacks, it served as the operational hub for American and NATO forces during the international coalition’s mission in the country.
U.S. and NATO troops withdrew from Bagram in July 2021, just weeks before the Taliban captured Kabul and took full control of Afghanistan.
Trump’s Criticism of Biden
Since returning to power, Trump has repeatedly expressed regret over the loss of Bagram and has strongly criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for ordering the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump has also voiced concern over the growing influence of China in Afghanistan, accusing Beijing of expanding its strategic presence in the region after the American exit.
