On September 20, US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Afghanistan: If the country does not return control of the Bagram air base to the US, "there will be a big deal going on".
Mr. Trump made this threat on social media and in front of the press. He did not rule out the possibility of using military measures if the demand was not met.
Bagram Station has been a key US military activity hub in Afghanistan for two decades after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In 2021, after the US withdrew troops under the administration of President Joe Biden, the base was taken over by the Taliban.
Mr. Trump said the US is negotiating with Afghanistan about taking over the base. He affirmed: "We should not lose it". However, Afghanistan, especially the Taliban government, opposes the US's return to military role there.
US and international military experts warn that if the US really wants to retake Bagram, it will be like a re-offensive and will need at least 10,000 soldiers and a modern air defense system to ensure the base's security against threats from extremist groups.
In addition, the protection of the base will have to take into account the risk of missile attacks from neighboring countries such as Iran in the event of a tense geopolitical situation.
Mr. Trump said Bagram was about an hour away from where China is developing nuclear weapons to emphasize the strategic importance of the region.
International and domestic reactions are quite cautious. A US intelligence official commented that publicly wanting to control Bagram is "more risk than benefit". The Taliban has said it will not allow the US to reappear with military forces.
