Overview

• Trump said on Truth Social that “bad things will happen” if Afghanistan does not give Bagram back to the United States.
• Afghan Taliban officials dismissed the warning, with Defense Ministry chief Fasihuddin Fitrat saying no deal is possible over “even one centimeter” of Afghan territory.
• An official Taliban statement later underscored that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are paramount.
• During a London press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump cited Bagram’s proximity to where he says China makes nuclear weapons as a reason for seeking its return.
• Asked at the White House about sending troops, Trump declined to discuss operations, said talks with Afghanistan are underway, and insisted on a swift handover; Bagram served as a major U.S. hub for two decades and hosted a 2024 Taliban parade attended by Chinese and Iranian diplomats.