• Trump demands the return of Bagram Air Base, threatening "bad things" if Afghanistan does not comply.
• The Taliban firmly rejects Trump's demands, asserting Afghan independence is non-negotiable.
• Discussions regarding the base's status hint at potential tensions between the U.S. and Taliban leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Afghanistan, demanding the return of Bagram Air Base to the United States. He stated, “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” during a post on social media on Saturday, following a presentation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where he expressed similar views. Trump criticized the prior administration's agreement which facilitated the Taliban's control over the base in the aftermath of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, based on discussions reported by Reuters, SCMP, and Channel News Asia.

The Taliban rejected Trump's threats outright, emphasizing, "Not even one meter of Afghan land will be given to the Americans." Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's foreign minister, reiterated Afghanistan's stance on maintaining its sovereignty and declared all engagements with the U.S. would respect its independence. This position aligns with statements made by officials about the importance of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, as noted by Dawn and Al Jazeera.

While Trump has expressed a desire to regain control of the base due to its strategic importance, particularly its proximity to potential Chinese nuclear capabilities, the Taliban maintains that the status of Afghan land remains non-negotiable. This view was articulated during a speech by Fasihuddin Fitrat, chief of staff at the Afghan Defense Ministry, emphasizing that any foreign military presence would not be tolerated, according to reports from India Times and Los Angeles Times.

The Taliban government has expressed willingness to engage in political and economic discussions with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, further complicating the diplomatic landscape. With Trump's recent remarks drawing a stern response from Afghan officials, the avenue for negotiation appears strained, as detailed in multiple sources, including CBS News and Anadolu Agency.