By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Sunday has issued a ultimatum to Afghanistan, demanded the return of the strategically critical Bagram Air Base to the US and warned of harsh consequences if the demand is ignored.
Bagram Air Base is controlled by the Taliban and has been a major issue of Trump’s criticism of America’s exit strategy.
He has described it as “the world’s strongest air base” and insists it should never have been abandoned.
The base holds immense strategic value: it lies less than 500 miles from China, offer surveillance and deterrence capabilities; access to Afghanistan’s rare earth resources; potential re-establishment of a counterterrorism hub against ISIS; and the possibility of reopening a U.S. diplomatic mission on site.
Trump underscored Bagram’s proximity to Chinese nuclear facilities.
He said “We want that base back it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.
Trump called the 2021 Afghanistan pullout a “terrible mistake.” He suggested that ongoing U.S. leverage could make reclaiming the base possible: “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us.”
Taliban government responded swiftly, stated they are open to dialogue but ruled out any US military return.
“Without the US having any military presence in Afghanistan, both Afghanistan and the US need to engage politically and economically on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests,” Afghan foreign ministry official Zakir Jalaly said on social media.
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was more blunt: “Not even an inch of Afghan soil is acceptable for foreign military presence. This message must reach President Trump and other countries. Engagement will only be political and economic.”
The base located less than 500 miles from Chinese nuclear facilities has resurfaced as a geopolitical flashpoint amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Trump after introduced 50% tariffs as part of his protectionist policy, he has now escalated his foreign policy rhetoric.
His latest comments reflect that he may be exploring ways to regain access to the former US military stronghold, which was abandoned during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
China dismissed Trump’s remarks, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed Beijing’s stance, said “China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The future of Afghanistan should be in the hands of its people. We call on all parties to play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.” He added that fueling confrontation in the region “lacks public support.”
