An Afghan Taliban government official said Sunday that a deal over Bagram air base was “not possible,” after US President Donald Trump said he wanted the former US base back. (AP)
Published September 21, 2025
President Donald Trump has intensified his demand for the return of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, warning that “bad things are going to happen” if the Taliban does not relinquish control. This statement follows his earlier remarks during a joint appearance with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where he emphasized the base’s strategic importance due to its proximity to China’s nuclear production sites.
In response, the Taliban has firmly rejected the U.S. request. Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff of the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense, stated that a deal over Bagram Air Base is “not possible,” highlighting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and the terms of the 2020 Doha Agreement, which stipulates that the U.S. will not threaten Afghanistan’s territorial integrity .
The Bagram Air Base, once a central hub for U.S. military operations, was abandoned during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Since then, it has remained under Taliban control, with the group utilizing the base for military displays and other activities. The U.S. has not clarified what actions it might take if the Taliban refuses to return the base.
The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the Taliban, with both sides holding firm on their positions regarding Bagram Air Base.
President Trump stated “BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN” if the US is not given back the strategic base.via REUTERS
Bagram Air Base came under the control of the Taliban after the United States withdrawal from the country in 2021.AP
Implications of Trump’s push to regain Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan:
1. U.S.-Taliban Relations Strain Further
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The Taliban have already rejected U.S. requests, citing sovereignty and the Doha Agreement.
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Renewed pressure from Trump risks escalating tensions, potentially undermining any diplomatic channels for cooperation on counterterrorism or regional security.
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Could reverse some of the U.S.’s post-2021 efforts to normalize relations with Afghanistan.
2. Geopolitical Tensions with China
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Trump has highlighted the base’s proximity to China’s nuclear sites as a strategic concern.
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Efforts to re-establish a U.S. military presence could be perceived by Beijing as a provocative move, potentially worsening U.S.-China relations.
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Could become a flashpoint similar to past U.S. military positioning in East Asia, increasing the risk of regional instability.
3. Impact on U.S. Military Strategy
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Bagram was a key hub during U.S. operations in Afghanistan. Re-establishing control could offer logistical and intelligence advantages.
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However, any military attempt to reclaim the base without Taliban consent could result in direct conflict, stretching U.S. military resources and risking casualties.
4. Regional Security Implications
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Neighboring countries (Pakistan, Iran, India) may view renewed U.S. activity in Afghanistan with suspicion.
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Could destabilize the region, giving extremist groups leverage to exploit tensions and potentially reignite localized insurgencies.
5. Domestic Political Effects in the U.S.
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Trump’s strong stance might appeal to his political base, reinforcing his image as a leader taking decisive action on national security.
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Conversely, it may draw criticism from those concerned about another overseas military entanglement.
6. Economic and Aid Considerations
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Any attempt to regain the base could complicate humanitarian aid efforts in Afghanistan if the Taliban perceives the U.S. as a hostile actor.
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Could affect U.S. contracts, reconstruction projects, and international investment in Afghanistan.
Overall Takeaway:
In conclusion, President Trump’s renewed demand for the return of Bagram Air Base underscores the complex intersection of U.S. strategic interests, regional security, and diplomatic challenges in Afghanistan. While the base offers significant military and intelligence advantages, any attempt to reclaim it faces firm resistance from the Taliban and carries the risk of escalating tensions with regional powers, including China. The situation highlights the delicate balance between asserting national security priorities and respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, illustrating that the path forward requires careful diplomacy, strategic foresight, and an awareness of the broader geopolitical stakes.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – President Trump Doubles Down on Afgan Airbase: If the US Doesn’t Get Bagram Back “BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”
ARAB NEWS – US deal on Bagram base ‘not possible’ says Afghan Taliban official
MALAY MAIL – Trump warns of ‘bad things’ if Afghanistan refuses to hand back Bagram
PACIFIC DAILY NEWS – US deal on Bagram base ‘not possible’ says Afghan Taliban official
THE NEW YORK POST – President Trump demands Bagram Air Base back, threatens Afghanistan: ‘BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!’
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