U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a blunt warning to Afghanistan, threatening “bad things” if Kabul does not return control of the Bagram airbase to Washington.

The threat comes just a day after Afghan authorities rejected Trump’s call to hand over the sprawling military facility.

“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, without specifying what actions might follow.

Bagram Airbase, located about 64 kilometers (40 miles) from Kabul, served as the main hub for U.S. forces during the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The base was central to American military operations, hosting thousands of troops, aircraft, and contractors. It also became notorious as a detention facility where many Afghans were imprisoned for years without charge, with reports of abuse and torture drawing international criticism.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan retook Bagram in August 2021 after the U.S. military withdrew and the previous Afghan government collapsed. Since then, Kabul has maintained control over the facility and repeatedly stated that no foreign military presence will be allowed in the country.

Trump, who has frequently criticized the loss of Bagram since returning to power, revealed during a visit to the United Kingdom last week that Washington is actively working to regain access to the site. “We’re trying to get it back … because they need things from us,” he said at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Afghan officials quickly rejected the idea of any revived U.S. military presence. “Afghanistan and the United States need to engage with one another … without the United States maintaining any military presence in any part of Afghanistan,” Zakir Jalal, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted on X. He said Kabul is open to political and economic ties with Washington, but only on the basis of “mutual respect and shared interests.”

Trump has repeatedly linked the loss of Bagram to his criticism of former President Joe Biden’s handling of the 2021 withdrawal, and he has warned of China’s growing influence in Afghanistan. Asked on Saturday whether he would consider deploying troops to seize the base, Trump declined to give a direct answer.

“We’re talking now to Afghanistan, and we want it back and we want it back soon, right away,” he told reporters at the White House. “And if they don’t do it – you’re going to find out what I’m gonna do.”

The renewed dispute over Bagram underscores rising tensions between Washington and Kabul, with Afghan leaders standing firm on their position that the era of foreign military bases in Afghanistan is over. (ILKHA)