The Taliban has issued a stunning public rebuke to President Donald Trump, rejecting his demand for the return of Bagram Air Base—a strategically vital facility once controlled by the United States.
This dramatic standoff comes as global tensions rise, with China expanding its military reach and Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers emboldened by President Joe Biden’s disastrous 2021 withdrawal.
Taliban’s Blunt Message to America
On Sunday, Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat released a statement on the social platform X, making it clear that the group will not hand over Bagram under any circumstances.
“For the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are of the utmost importance,” Fitrat declared. “The United States must adopt a policy of realism and rationality.”
Fitrat pointed to the Doha Agreement, negotiated during Trump’s first term, claiming that America had pledged not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan or interfere in its internal affairs.
He warned the U.S. to “remain faithful to its commitments”, accusing Washington of repeating the same failed strategies of the past.
The Taliban insisted it wants “constructive relations” with other countries, but only if Afghanistan’s sovereignty is respected.
Trump Fires Back With Strong Warning
President Trump did not mince words in his response.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump issued a powerful message to Afghanistan’s rulers:
“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Air Base back to those that built it—the United States of America—BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”
During a joint press conference in Great Britain with the UK Prime Minister, Trump revealed that the U.S. is actively working to regain control of the base. He hinted that the Taliban needs certain things from the United States, which could be used as leverage.
Trump also highlighted Bagram’s strategic location, noting it is less than an hour away from China’s top-secret nuclear weapons facilities.
“One of the reasons we want that base is its proximity to China,” Trump said.
“A lot of things are happening there that directly impact America’s national security.”
Biden’s 2021 Withdrawal Called a Disaster
Bagram Air Base was once the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan and a critical hub during America’s longest war.
But in 2021, President Joe Biden ordered a hasty and chaotic withdrawal, abandoning the base and leaving behind billions of dollars in U.S. military equipment.
The move has been widely condemned by military leaders and conservatives alike, with many calling it one of the worst foreign policy blunders in modern history.
Since then, the Taliban has grown stronger and more defiant, while China and other hostile nations have moved aggressively to fill the power vacuum left by Biden’s retreat.
Why Bagram Matters Now
Reclaiming Bagram is about far more than just symbolism. Its location gives the U.S. a strategic foothold near China, Iran, and other hostile nations.
With Beijing ramping up its nuclear program and forging deeper ties with Russia and Iran, many conservatives argue that allowing the Taliban to keep control of Bagram is a serious threat to U.S. national security.
“Losing Bagram was a mistake,” said one retired general. “Reclaiming it would show strength and send a message to China, Russia, and every other adversary watching.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The Taliban’s refusal to cooperate sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown with global implications.
Conservatives see this moment as a direct result of Biden’s failed leadership, which emboldened enemies abroad and weakened America’s global standing.
President Trump’s aggressive stance on Bagram signals a dramatic shift back toward peace through strength, a strategy many believe is essential to protecting American lives and interests.
Bottom Line
The fight over Bagram Air Base isn’t just about Afghanistan—it’s about whether the United States will project strength or weakness on the world stage.
With tensions rising between Washington, the Taliban, and Beijing, Trump’s warning is clear: America will not back down.