Washington, Sep 21 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has delivered a serious ultimatum to Afghanistan, insisting on the return of the Bagram air base to the United States.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, "If Afghanistan fails to return Bagram Airbase to those who constructed it, the United States of America will face dire consequences."

Previously, Trump emphasized that Washington has been actively seeking to reclaim control over the base, which played a crucial role for American forces after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, he confirmed that negotiations with Afghanistan regarding this issue were ongoing.

The Bagram air base, which was the largest US military facility in Afghanistan, fell into Taliban hands after the exit of American troops in 2021.

In response, the Taliban government has criticized Trump's statements regarding Bagram.

On Saturday, a senior Afghan official condemned the US President's comments, asserting that Afghans will never accept foreign military presence on their soil, as reported by the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA).

"Throughout history, Afghans have rejected foreign military presence in their homeland. Afghanistan and America must engage in economic and political relations grounded in mutual respect and shared interests," stated Jalali, a senior diplomat from the foreign ministry, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of his predecessor Joe Biden for abandoning Bagram airbase during the US withdrawal in August 2021, remarked to reporters in London on Thursday, "We aim to retake it."

Located 50 km north of Kabul, the Bagram airbase served as the central military base for US troops during the 20-year military presence of US-led coalition forces, culminating in August 2021, which led to the collapse of the US-backed regime and the rise of the current Afghan government.